NetNewsLedger 2025 Wildfire Reports – Northwest Fire Region Update
Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services
Date: June 8, 2025 | Time of Report: 10:28 PM CDT
THUNDER BAY – As of the evening of Sunday, June 8, the Northwest Fire Region remained active with 20 wildfires in various stages of management, though no new fire starts were reported.
Of the current fires:
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🔥 5 fires are not under control
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🔥 1 fire is being held
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🔥 6 fires are under control
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🔥 8 fires are being observed
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🧯 2 fires have been declared out in the past 24 hours
Thanks to recent rainfall, fire hazard levels have notably decreased in Kenora, Dryden, and Fort Frances, where the fire risk is now considered low. Conditions in Thunder Bay vary between low and moderate, while fire hazards remain more severe in Nipigon, Sioux Lookout, and Red Lake, ranging from low to extreme.
An updated and detailed look at fire hazard conditions and active fire perimeters can be found via Ontario’s Interactive Wildfire Map.
🔥 Fires of Note
RED LAKE 12 (RED012) – Deer Lake First Nation, Sandy Lake First Nation
This is currently the largest and most dangerous fire in the region at 156,346 hectares and remains not under control.
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🔥 Fire activity: Suppression efforts were met with limited success on June 8; fire growth was minimal but the threat remains.
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🛑 The fire is approximately 6.5 km from Sandy Lake First Nation and continues to pose an active threat to the community.
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🛬 Evacuations are underway: The community of Sandy Lake First Nation has begun immediate evacuations starting with vulnerable residents. Flights are operating between Sandy Lake and Thunder Bay, as well as host communities like Kapuskasing and southern Ontario locations.
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🌫️ Smoke is a major concern, periodically reducing visibility to ½ mile, which is severely impacting aviation efforts.
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💧 Defensive measures: FireRangers and the Sandy Lake Fire Department are deploying hoselines and sprinkler systems throughout the community. A perimeter fire line is being established on the western edge with assistance from heavy equipment.
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🚁 Aerial suppression continues as conditions allow, with aircraft and ground crews engaged in coordinated efforts.
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🌧️ Weather outlook: Scattered showers are forecasted over the next 24 to 48 hours, which could aid efforts.
Meanwhile, the community of Deer Lake First Nation remains fully evacuated, with fire protection systems—hoses and sprinklers—being actively monitored by FireRangers.
NIPIGON 5 (NIP005) – Webequie First Nation
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🔥 On June 8, strong southerly winds dramatically increased fire behavior, pushing the fire front several kilometers north.
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☁️ Overnight rain did not reach the Webequie area, and unsettled weather is forecast to persist.
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🧭 Crews will reassess the fire perimeter on June 9, preparing for further suppression action.
KENORA 20 (KEN020) – Ingolf, Wabaseemoong
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🌧️ Received 4–6 mm of rain overnight on June 8.
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✅ A second infrared scan of the area near Wabaseemoong detected no hotspots.
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🔧 Crews are now removing sprinkler systems that were previously deployed to protect the community.
KENORA 14 (KEN014)
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✅ Now under control at 1,607 hectares.
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📡 A third infrared scan returned clean, with no hotspots detected, confirming that the fire is fully suppressed and unlikely to spread.
📜 Implementation Orders and Restrictions
For the latest restrictions, including details for Kenora 20 and Kenora 14, visit Ontario.ca/fireupdates.
🟢 Note: The Implementation Orders for Fort Frances 4 and Sioux Lookout 3 have been revoked.
🚫 No Drone Zone – Flying Near Fires is Illegal
Flying drones near wildfires is not only illegal—it’s dangerous. Unauthorized drones risk the lives of aerial crews and interfere with suppression efforts. Always keep your drones grounded near active fires.
📞 Report a Wildland Fire
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North of French and Mattawa Rivers: Call 310-FIRE (3473)
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South of French or Mattawa Rivers: Call 9-1-1
Stay connected with NetNewsLedger for continuing coverage of the 2025 wildfire season. We are committed to keeping our communities informed, safe, and prepared.
