June 2, 2025 | Time of Report: 19:44 CDT
THUNDER BAY – WILDFIRE COVERAGE – Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) is actively managing a challenging wildfire situation in the Northwest Fire Region as three new fires were confirmed by early evening on Monday, June 2. High to extreme fire hazard conditions persist across much of the region, complicating suppression efforts and prompting additional precautionary measures.
NEW WILDFIRES – JUNE 2, 2025
1. Fort Frances 9 (FOR009)
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Size: 12 hectares
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Status: Being observed
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Location: Near the Maligne River in Quetico Provincial Park, approximately 41 km southeast of Atikokan
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Fire behaviour is currently stable, and the blaze is being monitored closely for any signs of escalation.
2. Kenora 34 (KEN034)
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Size: Undisclosed
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Status: Not under control
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Location: Near Caribou Lake, about 31 km northeast of Kenora
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Response: Initial Attack FireRanger crews supported by water-bucketing helicopters have been deployed to aggressively contain the fire.
3. Nipigon 9 (NIP009)
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Size: 3.5 hectares
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Status: Not under control
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Location: Near Rintas Road and Wildgoose Lake, roughly 18 km west of Geraldton
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Response: CL-415 waterbombers were used on June 2 to conduct aerial suppression over the fire.
CURRENT WILDFIRE STATUS – NORTHWEST REGION
As of this evening’s report, the Northwest Region has 15 active wildland fires:
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6 fires: Not under control
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2 fires: Being held
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5 fires: Under control
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2 fires: Being observed
FIRE HAZARD & WEATHER OUTLOOK
The fire hazard remains extreme to high across much of the Northwest Region. The anticipated arrival of unsettled weather is expected to bring scattered rainfall and the possibility of lightning activity, which could ignite additional fires or influence fire behaviour.
To track fire hazard levels and the Restricted Fire Zone boundaries currently in effect, visit the Interactive Fire Map.
FIRES OF NOTE
Red Lake 12 – Deer Lake First Nation
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Size: 17,987 hectares
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Status: Not under control
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Visibility: Limited to ~1 kilometre due to smoke drift, which grounded aerial suppression efforts today
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Action: Ground crews focused on strengthening hoselines and setting up sprinkler protection on community infrastructure
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Management: A Type 1 Incident Management Team is coordinating response
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Note: Infrared scanning was delayed due to smoke drift, potentially impacting situational awareness
Nipigon 5 – Webequie First Nation
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Size: 7,506.9 hectares
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Status: Not under control
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Fire Activity: Increased fire behaviour noted today
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Response: Crews focused on the north and west flanks near the community; sprinkler protection continues
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Support: Another fire crew is expected to arrive June 3
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Weather Watch: No rain reported as of this update, though wet conditions are forecast for the area within 24 hours
Kenora 20 – Ingolf & Wabaseemoong
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Size: 35,426.5 hectares (includes Ontario and Manitoba portions)
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Status: Not under control
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Growth: Expansion on the western flank, west of the provincial border
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Conditions: Cooler temps and smoke shading lowered fire intensity today, though heavy smoke limited aerial operations
Kenora 14 – Wabaseemoong
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Size: 1,607 hectares
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Status: Now under control
IMPLEMENTATION ORDERS & RESTRICTIONS
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Current Implementation Orders remain in place for Kenora 20 and Kenora 14
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Revoked: Orders for Fort Frances 4 and Sioux Lookout 3
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Visit: Ontario.ca/fireupdates for official restrictions and maps
NOTAM IN EFFECT – Nipigon 5
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) is active over Nipigon 5:
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Restricted airspace within 5 nautical miles, up to 3,000 feet AGL
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These rules supplement Canadian Aviation Regulations Section 601.15
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Pilots must consult NavCanada’s Collaborative Flight Planning Services before entering any wildfire-affected airspace
🚫 No Drone Zone – Stay Grounded, Stay Safe
AFFES reminds the public that drone use near wildfires is illegal and highly dangerous. Drones can interfere with fire suppression aircraft and pose serious risks to frontline personnel.
🔥 How to Report a Wildfire
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North of the French and Mattawa Rivers: Call 310-FIRE (3473)
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South of the French and Mattawa Rivers: Call 9-1-1
