Wildfire Update – May 24, 2025 | Northwest Region
Report Time: 7:00 PM CDT
Thunder Bay – Wildfire activity in Northwestern Ontario continues to pose serious challenges as 11 fires remain active across the region, five of which are currently not under control. Despite cooler temperatures and some rainfall, dry conditions persist across large swaths of forest, elevating the wildfire hazard to high and extreme in the western areas. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) continues to monitor and combat these blazes with a combination of aerial and ground suppression tactics.
New Fires Confirmed
Three new fires were reported on May 24:
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Sioux Lookout 6 (SLK006): A 0.3-hectare fire north of Cat Lake, currently being held.
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Thunder Bay 10 (THU010): A 0.1-hectare fire about 8 km north of Hogarth Lake – not under control.
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Thunder Bay 11 (THU011): A 0.1-hectare fire about 8 km southwest of Graham Lake – not under control.
While Thunder Bay and Nipigon face moderate hazard levels, new fire starts show that the risk remains very present even outside the high-risk western zones.
Fires of Note: Large Blazes Draw Resources
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Kenora 20 (KEN020): Now covering 31,276 hectares and not under control, this fire remains the largest active blaze. Though smoke drift from Manitoba helped suppress fire behaviour temporarily, drying trends continue. Crews are working the eastern perimeter using hoselines and helicopter water drops supported by infra-red hot spot detection.
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Fort Frances 4 (FOR004): Holding at approximately 3,593 hectares, this fire also remains uncontrolled, with FireRanger crews focusing on extinguishing remaining hot spots.
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Sioux Lookout 3 (SLK003): At 1,849 hectares, this fire is not under control and continues to challenge suppression crews.
Restricted Fire Zone Remains in Effect
To reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires, a Restricted Fire Zone remains in place across parts of the Northwest Region, including zones near Quetico, Wabakimi, and the Manitoba border. This includes areas often frequented by campers and outdoor enthusiasts from Thunder Bay and surrounding communities.
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No open-air burning or campfires are allowed.
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Portable gas or propane stoves may be used with caution.
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All burning permits are suspended until further notice.
For precise boundaries and more information, visit: Ontario.ca/fireupdates
Drone Ban Reminder: Keep Skies Clear for Firefighting Aircraft
Residents are reminded that operating drones near forest fires is illegal and puts lives at risk, including those of pilots and ground crews. Flying drones in these zones can delay emergency response efforts and poses serious safety threats.
Report Fires Promptly
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North of French/Mattawa Rivers: Call 310-FIRE (no area code required)
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South of French/Mattawa Rivers: Call 9-1-1
