Latest update on Northwest Ontario wildfires: new fires reported, ongoing suppression efforts, and current restrictions

Published: May 31, 2025, 7:13 PM CDT

New Fires Reported

Two new wildfires have been confirmed in the Northwest Region:

• Thunder Bay 15 (THU 015): Located on the eastern shore of Thompson Island, this fire measures 0.1 hectares and is not yet under control.

• Nipigon 8 (NIP 008): Situated within the boundaries of Fort Hope First Nation, approximately 2 kilometres southwest of Tidy Lake, this fire spans 0.2 hectares and is also not under control.

As of this update, there are 16 active fires in the Northwest Region at various stages of control.

Fire Hazard and Restricted Fire Zone

The fire hazard remains high to extreme across the majority of the Northwest Region.

A Restricted Fire Zone is currently in effect for a significant portion of the Northwest Region.

For detailed boundaries of the Restricted Fire Zone and current fire hazard conditions, please refer to the Interactive Fire Map.

Fires of Note

• Red Lake 12 – Deer Lake First Nation: An Incident Management Team from Ontario has assumed command of this fire, which has been remapped at 12,559 hectares. Resources committed include 10 Type 1 initial attack fire crews, 3 helicopters (two medium bucketing and one intermediate), and aerial fire suppression as required. Favorable winds have aided crews in making good progress, with hoselines established on the east side of the community. Smoke is expected to impact the local area throughout the weekend.

• Nipigon 5 – Webequie First Nation: This fire has been remapped at 7,506.9 hectares and remains not under control. Six fire crews and two helicopters (one belly tanker and one fire management/crew transport) are assigned. Firefighters are establishing hoselines and setting up values protection equipment within the community as a precautionary measure.

• Kenora 20 – Ingolf, Wabaseemoong: Covering 34,008 hectares (Ontario portion: 29,729 hectares), this fire is not under control. The western flank, located west of the Ontario–Manitoba border, continues to be the most active area. Cooler temperatures and increased cloud cover have helped limit fire behavior today. Four Type 2 wildland firefighting crews arrived today to support ongoing suppression efforts. Crews are making steady progress on hotspots identified by infrared scanning, supported by ongoing helicopter bucketing operations.

• Kenora 14 – Wabaseemoong: Currently being held at 1,607 hectares. Crews continue to patrol for and extinguish hotspots identified by infrared scans.

Implementation Orders and Restrictions

An Implementation Order is now in effect for areas near Kenora 32 (KEN032) under Emergency Area Order EAO 2025-003, declared on May 13, 2025. This order includes:

• Prohibition of all travel and use of roads within the designated area unless authorized by a travel permit. Wabaseemoong Independent Nations

• Prohibition of all use of lakes and waterways within the area, including Snowshoe, Wingiskus, Wilson, Johnston, Narraway, west side of Eden, and west side of Nancy Lakes.

• Prohibition of all use and occupation of Crown Land within the specified area.

All persons must immediately evacuate the area indicated on the Implementation Order map unless authorized by a travel permit issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

For detailed maps and further information, please visit Ontario’s Fire Updates.

No Drone Zone

Flying drones near forest fires is dangerous and illegal. Drones can interfere with firefighting operations and put the lives of pilots, firefighters, and other emergency personnel at risk. Stay safe and stay clear of forest fires.

Reporting Wildland Fires

• To report a wildland fire located north of the French and Mattawa rivers, please dial 310-FIRE.

• To report a wildland fire located south of the French or Mattawa Rivers, please dial 9-1-1.

Stay informed and stay safe.