THUNDER BAY – WILDFIRE REPORT – As of the latest update from Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services, 11 active wildfires are burning across Northwestern Ontario, with 7 fires not under control, 3 under control, and 1 being monitored.
Despite recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, conditions remain dangerously dry, particularly in western parts of the region, where fire hazard levels are high to extreme.
Thunder Bay 9 has seen waterbombers working to contain the fire from spreading it is near the Thunder City Raceway, south of the Thunder Bay Airport.
New Fires Confirmed
Two new wildfires were reported by the evening of May 21:
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Dryden 8 (DRY008) – A 0.1-hectare fire located south of the Dryden Airport. It is not under control.
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Thunder Bay 9 (THU009) – A 5-hectare fire south of the Thunder Bay Airport. Waterbombers (CL415s) are engaged in aerial suppression. The fire remains uncontrolled.
Current Fire Hazard Conditions
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Eastern zones: Low to moderate, with isolated areas of high hazard.
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Western zones: High to extreme hazard, with extreme conditions concentrated in the Red Lake and Sioux Lookout fire management sectors.
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Kenora, Dryden, Fort Frances: Experiencing developing areas of extreme hazard.
For real-time hazard mapping, residents can refer to the Interactive Fire Map.
Fires of Note in Northwestern Ontario
Kenora 20 (KEN020)
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Size: 31,276 hectares
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Status: Not under control
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Crews from Ontario and British Columbia are actively working the fire with hose lines, helipads, and community protection measures.
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Overnight infrared scanning identified hot spots targeted by heavy helicopters.
Kenora 14 (KEN014)
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Size: 1,607 hectares
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Status: Not under control
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Crews making progress on hoseline containment, particularly on the eastern perimeter.
Fort Frances 4 (FOR004)
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Size: 3,593 hectares
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Status: Minimal fire activity observed
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Crews are engaged in hotspot suppression; fire remains contained but under watch.
Sioux Lookout 3 (SLK003)
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Size: 1,849 hectares
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Status: Not under control
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FireRangers and heavy equipment crews continue to establish hose lines.
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Infrared scans have helped pinpoint priority suppression zones.
🔥 Restricted Fire Zone in Effect
Due to dangerous conditions, a Restricted Fire Zone remains in place across much of the Northwest Region (Zones 2, 3, 6, 7, 8), effective since May 16 at 12:01 a.m..
Prohibited within the Restricted Fire Zone:
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All open-air burning, including campfires
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Use of burn permits (all suspended)
Permitted:
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Portable gas/propane stoves for cooking and warmth — use with caution only
The fire zone stretches from the Ontario-Manitoba border across to areas north of Wabakimi and south along the border of Quetico Provincial Park.
For full details and map of the affected area, visit Ontario Fire Updates.
🚫 Drone Use Prohibited Near Fires
Flying drones near wildfires is illegal and endangers air crews and first responders. Stay clear, stay safe.
📞 To Report a Wildfire
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North of French and Mattawa Rivers: Dial 310-FIRE (3473)
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South of French and Mattawa Rivers: Call 9-1-1
