Kenora 20 and Fort Frances 4 Remain Key Areas of Concern as Crews Continue Suppression Efforts

NORTHWEST FIRE REGION – WILDFIRE UPDATE | May 23, 2025 – 19:00 CDT – Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) is reporting nine active wildland fires across the Northwest Region. As of this evening:

• 3 fires are not under control

• 2 fires are being held

• 4 fires are under control

🔥 New Fires Confirmed – May 23

Three new fires were confirmed today:

• Red Lake 7 (RED007): 0.1 ha fire in Pikangikum 14 – now extinguished.

• Red Lake 8 (RED008): 0.1 ha fire located ~1.8 km northeast of Poplar Hill Airport – now extinguished.

• Kenora 31 (KEN031): 0.1 ha fire north of Highways 17 and 71 intersection – under control.

🌡️ Fire Hazard Conditions

The fire hazard remains high to extreme in western parts of the region, including Red Lake, Dryden, Kenora, and Fort Frances sectors. Meanwhile, the Thunder Bay and Nipigon areas continue to experience low to moderate hazard levels.

Despite recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, forests remain highly susceptible to new ignitions.

👉 Check fire risk in your area using Ontario’s Interactive Fire Map.

🚨 Fires of Note

🔥 KENORA 20 (KEN020)

• Size: 31,276 hectares

• Status: Not under control

• Suppression efforts continue with:

  • CL-415 waterbombers on the west flank

  • Heavy helicopters on the east

  • Ground crews installing hoselines 100 ft inside the perimeter

  • Helicopter bucket drops supporting from the north

🔥 FORT FRANCES 4 (FOR004)

• Size: 3,593 hectares

• Status: Not under control

• No recent growth observed; fire activity remains low

• Crews continue hot spot suppression

🔥 SIOUX LOOKOUT 3 (SLK003)

• Size: 1,849 hectares

• Status: Not under control

• Crews actively building hoselines, supported by heavy equipment

• Infrared scans used to target hot spots

🚫 Restricted Fire Zone Remains in Effect

A Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) remains in place for Zones 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8 of the Northwest Region to help prevent human-caused fires. This includes a wide area extending from the Ontario–Manitoba border south to the U.S. border, and east of Wabakimi and Quetico Provincial Parks.

Under the RFZ:

• All open-air burning, including campfires, is prohibited

• Gas or propane stoves may be used with caution

• All burning permits are suspended

The RFZ will remain active until conditions improve.
📍 Visit Ontario.ca/fireupdates for maps and zone boundaries.

🚁 No Drone Zone: Stay Clear

Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous and illegal. Unauthorized drones can delay suppression flights and put crews and aircraft at serious risk.

➡️ If you see a drone near a wildfire, report it immediately.

📞 How to Report a Wildfire

• North of French or Mattawa Rivers: Call 310-FIRE (3473)

• South of French or Mattawa Rivers: Call 911