NetNewsLedger – May 30, 2025 | Time of Report: 21:24

THUNDER BAY – Wildfire activity is escalating across Northwestern Ontario, with 14 active fires currently being tracked throughout the region. Three new blazes were confirmed Friday, adding to the pressure on frontline personnel as the forest fire hazard remains high to extreme.

🚨 NEW FIRES – MAY 30

Nipigon 6 (NIP006):

• Location: ~2 km south of Petawanga Lake, near the Albany River Provincial Park boundary.

• Size: 30 hectares

• Status: Not under control

• This remote fire has prompted swift response efforts, but rugged terrain and dry fuels are challenging containment.

Nipigon 7 (NIP007):

• Location: ~8 km northwest of Troutfly Lake

• Size: 3 hectares

• Status: Not under control

• Suppression efforts are underway with resources being mobilized to this remote site.

Thunder Bay 14 (THU014):

• Location: Just north of Hwy 17 near Hay Lake, ~6 km west of Upsala

• Size: 0.3 hectares

• Status: Not under control

• This fire is located closer to the highway corridor, making it a priority for suppression and public safety monitoring.

🔥 FIRE HAZARD: HIGH TO EXTREME

The fire hazard remains dangerously elevated across most of the Northwest Fire Region due to persistently dry conditions, warm temperatures, and gusty winds.

A Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) is currently in place for large portions of the region. Under this restriction:

• All outdoor open-air burning is prohibited, including campfires and brush burning.

• All active fire permits are suspended.

• Gas or propane stoves and appliances are allowed but must be used with extreme caution.

➡️ For full RFZ boundaries and fire hazard levels in your area, consult the Ontario Interactive Fire Map.

🔍 FIRES OF NOTE

Red Lake 12 – Deer Lake First Nation

• Updated Size: 9,616 hectares (remapped)

• Status: Not under control

• Aerial suppression continued throughout the day with 10 Type 1 Initial Attack crews, 3 helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft as needed.

• Fire crews are actively protecting critical infrastructure, laying hose lines on the east side of the community.

• Smoke impacts are expected to persist throughout the weekend.

• An Incident Management Team has been deployed to support local efforts.

Nipigon 5 – Webequie First Nation

• Updated Size: 6,986 hectares

• Status: Not under control

• This fire continues to grow east/northeast of Webequie.

• Current resources include 6 ground crews, 2 helicopters, and air support.

• FireRanger crews are concentrating on perimeter suppression and values protection.

Kenora 20 – Ingolf, Wabaseemoong

• Total Size: 34,008 hectares (Ontario: 29,729 ha | Manitoba: 4,279 ha)

• Status: Not under control

• Despite high winds, the eastern perimeter is holding.

• Crews continue to cool hot spots using infrared scans and helicopter bucket operations.

• This cross-border fire remains one of the largest and most resource-intensive in the region.

Kenora 14 – Wabaseemoong

• Size: 1,607 hectares

• Status: Being held

• Crews are patrolling and dousing remaining hot spots with infrared assistance.

🚫 IMPLEMENTATION ORDERS & UPDATES

• Current Orders: Still in effect for Kenora 20 and Kenora 14.

• Revoked Orders:

  • Fort Frances 4

  • Sioux Lookout 3

Visit Ontario.ca/fireupdates for real-time details on restrictions, community alerts, and response plans.

🚁 NO DRONE ZONE – IT’S THE LAW

Flying drones near wildfires is illegal and dangerous.
It endangers firefighters, pilots, and aircraft operations. If you see someone operating a drone near a wildfire, report it immediately.

📞 REPORT A WILDFIRE

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

• South of those regions: Call 9-1-1

🧯 STAY ALERT – STAY SAFE

Residents are urged to follow all fire bans, prepare emergency kits, and report suspicious smoke or flames promptly. Every action counts in keeping Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario safe from wildfire threats.