THUNDER BAY – May 25, 2025 | 7:00 PM CDT – Crews with Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) continue to manage 11 active wildfires in the Northwest Fire Region. As of Sunday evening, two fires remain out of control, while three are being held and six have been brought under control.
No new fire starts were confirmed on May 25, but extremely dry forest conditions, particularly in western areas of the region, continue to keep the fire hazard rating at high to extreme. In Thunder Bay and Nipigon, hazard levels remain low to moderate, but officials stress that the risk of human-caused fires is still significant.
“Despite cooler temperatures and some recent rainfall, our forests remain very dry,” an AFFES spokesperson said. “We need continued caution from the public.”
🔥 Fires of Note
KENORA 20 (KEN020)
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Size: 31,276 hectares
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Status: Not under control
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Crews are making steady progress establishing hoselines along the eastern perimeter, while helicopters continue bucket drops to douse hotspots.
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Infrared scanning will be conducted again tonight to locate areas of concern.
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Fire behaviour remains low intensity, but conditions remain volatile.
FORT FRANCES 4 (FOR004)
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Size: 3,593 hectares
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Status: Being held
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FireRanger crews are on the ground, targeting hotspots and reinforcing containment lines.
SIOUX LOOKOUT 3 (SLK003)
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Size: 1,849 hectares
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Status: Not under control
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Ground crews remain focused on suppression and hotspot detection.
🚫 Restricted Fire Zone Still in Effect
Due to ongoing extreme fire danger in parts of the Northwest Region, a Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) remains in place. This includes Zones 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8, stretching from the Manitoba border across areas north of Wabakimi and down to the Quetico Provincial Park boundary.
Within the RFZ:
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All open-air burning is prohibited, including campfires.
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Portable gas or propane stoves are permitted but must be used with caution.
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All burning permits are suspended until further notice.
For detailed boundaries and updates, visit: Ontario.ca/fireupdates
🚁 Drone Safety Reminder: No Drone Zone
AFFES reminds the public that flying drones near forest fires is both dangerous and illegal. Unauthorized drones can interfere with firefighting aircraft and pose serious risks to crews on the ground and in the air.
If you see a drone near a wildfire, report it immediately.
📞 Report a Wildfire
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North of the French and Mattawa Rivers: Call 310-FIRE (no area code required)
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South of the French or Mattawa Rivers: Call 9-1-1
