Crews Continue Suppression Efforts on Multiple Fires of Note

THUNDER BAY – May 29, 2025 – 18:42 CDT – Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) is reporting two new wildfires in the Northwest Fire Region, while key fires near Deer Lake First Nation, Webequie, and Wabaseemoong continue to challenge crews and prompt community responses.

New Fires: Fort Frances and Kenora Districts

Fort Frances 8 (FOR 008):

• Location: Between Nickelby Lake and Niobe Lake, ~17 km east of Atikokan

• Size: 0.2 hectares

• Status: Under control

Kenora 32 (KEN 032):

• Location: In the Eagle–Snowshoe Lake area, ~100 km southwest of Red Lake

• Size: 683 hectares (Ontario portion only)

• Status: Not under control

• Note: This fire is an extension of Manitoba fire EA061, which has burned 124,238 hectares and crossed into Ontario on May 29.

Active Fire Status

As of this update, there are 12 active wildfires in the Northwest Region:

• 4 fires not under control

• 4 fires being held

• 4 fires under control

• 2 fires called out in the past 24 hours

The wildland fire hazard remains high to extreme across the region. View current conditions on the Interactive Fire Map.

Fires of Note

🔥 Red Lake 12 – Deer Lake First Nation

• Size: 7,122 hectares

• Status: Not under control

• Latest: Significant growth east/southeast of the community prompted a phase one evacuation of vulnerable residents beginning May 29.

• Suppression Efforts:

  • FireRanger crews working near the Deer Lake airport to protect infrastructure

  • Sprinkler systems deployed around the community

  • Three helicopters supporting crews

  • Fire management is exploring strategic ignition operations to draw the fire to natural boundaries (e.g., lakes) northeast of the community

🔥 Nipigon 5 – Webequie First Nation

• Size: 1,200 hectares

• Status: Not under control

• Latest: The fire continues to expand east/northeast, with a pre-evacuation alert issued by community leaders.

• Suppression Efforts:

  • Ground crews securing the fire’s rear perimeter

  • Waterbombers targeting north and west flanks closest to the community

🔥 Kenora 20 – Ingolf, Wabaseemoong

• Size: 34,008 hectares (includes Ontario and Manitoba fire zones)

• Status: Not under control

• Activity: The western flank in Manitoba (EA063) remains the most active

• Progress: Ontario crews continue to report no recent growth along the eastern perimeter, with steady suppression gains and helicopter bucketing operations ongoing

🔥 Kenora 14 – Wabaseemoong

• Size: 1,607 hectares

• Status: Being held

• Efforts: Crews are patrolling for hot spots, guided by recent Infrared scan data

Implementation Orders & Fire Restrictions

For the latest Implementation Orders and area-specific restrictions, including those in place for:

• Kenora 20

• Kenora 14

• Sioux Lookout 3

Visit 🔗 Ontario.ca/fireupdates

The Implementation Order for Fort Frances 4 has now been revoked.

Expanded Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) Effective May 30

Beginning Friday, May 30 at 12:01 a.m., a new Restricted Fire Zone will come into effect for:

• Zones 4, 9, 10, and 11 in the Northwest Region

This new RFZ complements the initial order issued on May 16 and aims to reduce human-caused wildfires amid the ongoing high hazard conditions.

Within an RFZ:

• ❌ No open-air burning, including campfires

• ❌ All burning permits are suspended

• ✅ Propane/gas stoves may be used with caution

More RFZ information: Outdoor Fire Restrictions

No Drone Zone: Stay Clear of Fire Zones

Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous and illegal. Unauthorized drone activity can:

• Halt aerial firefighting operations

• Endanger pilots and emergency crews

• Result in charges under federal aviation law

✈️ Keep drones grounded near active wildfires.

📞 How to Report a Wildland Fire

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

• South of the French or Mattawa Rivers: Call 911