THUNDER BAY – WILDFIRE REPORTS – Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) is actively responding to a growing number of wildfires across the Northwest Region. As of 8:40 p.m. CDT on June 5, a total of 18 active fires are being monitored, with several posing significant challenges due to remote locations, hot and dry conditions, and shifting winds.
New Fires Detected – June 5
Sioux Lookout 10 (SLK 010)
Located approximately 78 kilometres north of Pickle Lake, this 0.3-hectare fire is in the far north and remains not under control. Aerial waterbombers were deployed earlier today to suppress its growth.
Fort Frances 12 (FOR 012)
This 0.5-hectare fire is situated near Sunday Lake within Quetico Provincial Park, close to the Canada-U.S. border. The fire is currently being observed, with no suppression underway yet.
Red Lake 17 (RED 017)
Located approximately 81 kilometres east of Red Lake near Woman Lake, this fire spans 2.0 hectares and is not under control.
Red Lake 16 (RED 016)
This 0.3-hectare fire was discovered near Dolphin Creek, approximately 29 kilometres east of Poplar Hill First Nation. It is currently not under control.
Dryden 12
Discovered during the evening of June 4 near Aaron Park (12 kilometres east of Dryden), this 0.1-hectare fire has since been declared out.
Current Active Fire Overview
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18 Active Fires Total
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6 Not Under Control
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1 Being Held
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8 Under Control
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3 Being Observed
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2 Fires Declared Out in the past 24 hours.
Fire Hazard Conditions
Wildland fire hazard levels remain high to extreme throughout much of the Northwest Fire Region. Pockets of moderate hazard exist, particularly in areas that received recent rainfall. Residents are advised to monitor Ontario’s Interactive Fire Map for real-time updates and fire zone boundaries.
🔥 Fires of Note
Red Lake 12 (RED 012) – Near Deer Lake First Nation
Now measured at 66,027 hectares, Red Lake 12 remains not under control. Today, overhead staff were able to observe the fire’s head due to improved flying conditions. The fire’s behaviour has slightly diminished, although it continues to move actively.
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Aerial ignition operations were conducted to guide the fire’s edge toward natural barriers like waterways.
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FireRanger crews continue to build and maintain hoselines on the flanks closest to Deer Lake.
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Sprinkler systems remain operational around community infrastructure to ensure protection.
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Westerly winds are expected to persist until Friday, potentially shifting northwest with possible precipitation forecasted over the weekend.
Kenora 34 (KEN 034) – Near Caribou Lake
This fire has been remapped to 18 hectares and is now being held.
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Four FireRanger crews, supported by helicopter water bucket operations, have established hoselines around the fire perimeter.
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Suppression efforts are proving effective, and further spread is not currently anticipated.
Nipigon 5 (NIP 005) – Near Webequie First Nation
Holding steady at 8,881 hectares, Nipigon 5 remains not under control.
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Lower temperatures and smoke cover helped keep fire behaviour moderate.
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Structure protection in the north and east of the fire has been completed.
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Crews are now extending hoselines into the northeastern ‘finger’ of the fire to prevent westward and northward spread.
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New helipads have been installed to facilitate crew and supply transport into remote fire areas.
Kenora 20 (KEN 020) – Ingolf/Wabaseemoong, Bordering Manitoba
This massive fire remains not under control, holding steady at 36,039.2 hectares, spanning both Ontario and Manitoba.
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Suppression crews have secured sections of the northwest flank against natural boundaries and are now working inward.
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Due to extended drought and dry fuel conditions, the fire is burning deep into the ground, significantly increasing the time needed for complete suppression.
Kenora 14 (KEN 014)
This 1,607-hectare fire is now under control.
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Fire crews have successfully contained all active fire edges.
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Continued mop-up operations are focused on extinguishing residual hot spots.
⚠️ Implementation Orders and Safety Notices
Current Restrictions:
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Visit Ontario Fire Updates for details on Implementation Orders still in effect for Kenora 20 and Kenora 14.
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Implementation Orders for Fort Frances 4 and Sioux Lookout 3 have been lifted.
No Drone Zone
Drones present serious risks to wildfire suppression efforts and are strictly prohibited near active fires. Flying a drone near a wildfire is illegal and could endanger aircraft and ground crews.
🚨 How to Report a Wildfire
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North of French and Mattawa Rivers: Call 310-FIRE
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South of French and Mattawa Rivers: Call 9-1-1
Stay informed. Stay safe. Let’s work together to protect our forests and communities.
