THUNDER BAY – May 28, 2025 (19:00 CDT) – Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) has confirmed four new wildfires in the Northwest Fire Region today, including two larger fires near Deer Lake First Nation and Webequie First Nation that prompted immediate air attack response.
New Fires – May 28 Breakdown
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Red Lake 13 (RED013): A 0.1-hectare fire located within the Pikangikum First Nation townsite. It has since been called out.
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Red Lake 12 (RED012): Located near the Deer Lake First Nation airport, this fire is an estimated 100 hectares in size and remains not under control. Multiple air attack missions were carried out through the afternoon and evening.
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Nipigon 5 (NIP005): Burning within 1 km of Webequie First Nation, this 100-hectare fire was hit hard by waterbombers, with FireRanger crews dispatched for ground suppression.
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Fort Frances 7 (FOR007): A 0.1-hectare fire on an island on Rainy Lake, about 49 km northeast of Fort Frances, has also been called out.
Active Fire Status – Region-Wide
As of this evening, there are 12 active wildfires in the Northwest Region:
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4 fires not under control
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5 fires under control
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3 fires being held
Three fires have been successfully extinguished in the last 24 hours.
The fire hazard remains high to extreme across much of Northwestern Ontario. Residents and travellers should check the Interactive Fire Map at Ontario.ca/fireupdates for the latest localized conditions.
Fires of Note
Kenora 20 (KEN020)
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Now measured at 34,008 hectares, following remapping that includes fire activity on both sides of the Ontario-Manitoba border.
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Fire growth on the western flank in Manitoba, now designated EA063, drove the increase.
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The eastern perimeter remains stable, and crews continue to make solid progress with ongoing helicopter bucketing support.
Fort Frances 4 (FOR004)
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Holding at 3,593 hectares and now officially being held.
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Crews continue to target hotspots.
Sioux Lookout 3 (SLK003)
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Still approximately 1,849 hectares in size and currently not under control.
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Ground crews remain focused on hotspot suppression.
Restricted Fire Zone Still in Effect
A Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) remains in effect across large sections of the Northwest Region, including Zones 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8. This measure was enacted to reduce human-caused fires amid extreme hazard conditions and will stay in place until further notice.
Prohibited activities within the RFZ include:
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All open-air burning, including campfires
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Use of burn permits, which are currently suspended
Allowed with caution:
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Portable gas or propane stoves for cooking and warmth
For maps, boundary details, and full regulations, visit the Outdoor Fire Restrictions page.
Reminder: Drones Are Illegal Near Wildfires
AFFES strongly reminds the public that flying drones near forest fires is illegal and dangerous. Drones:
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Disrupt firefighting aircraft
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Endanger pilot and crew safety
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Can halt operations, allowing fires to grow unchecked
🔴 No Drone Zone: Keep your drone grounded. Violators may face prosecution.
Report Wildfires Quickly
If you see smoke or suspect a wildfire:
📍 North of the French or Mattawa Rivers:
📞 Call 310-FIRE (3473)
📍 South of the French or Mattawa Rivers:
📞 Call 9-1-1
Timely reports help prevent the spread of fire and protect people and property.
AFFES thanks the public for continued vigilance as crews work to contain multiple fires across Northwestern Ontario.
