Northwest Fire Region Update – Strategic Suppression Efforts Continue as Rainfall Moderates Activity

Thunder Bay – Wildfire Report – As the wildfire season progresses, fire activity remains a serious concern across Northwestern Ontario. While rain and cooler weather are bringing some relief, large fires near remote communities continue to pose significant risks. Here’s a detailed update on the wildfire situation as of the evening of June 9, 2025.

New Fire Discovery – Sioux Lookout 20

One new wildfire was confirmed in the Northwest Region on Monday, June 9:

• Sioux Lookout 20 (SIO020):

  • Location: Near Severn River Provincial Park, approximately 54 km west/northwest of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation.

  • Size: 188 hectares

  • Status: Not under control

  • This fire has prompted early aerial assessments and is being closely monitored due to its proximity to culturally significant lands and potential smoke impact on nearby communities.

Regional Fire Summary

As of this report, the Northwest Region is contending with:

• 20 active wildland fires

  • 6 fires not under control

  • 6 fires under control

  • 8 fires being observed

• 1 fire was successfully called out in the past 24 hours.

Despite encouraging signs, particularly scattered rain, drought-like soil conditions persist and could reignite or intensify suppressed fires with a return to hot, dry weather. The current fire hazard level is assessed as:

• Low in Kenora, Dryden, Fort Frances, and Red Lake

• Low to moderate in Thunder Bay

• Low to high in Sioux Lookout and Nipigon, depending on local conditions

For detailed hazard mapping and updates on Restricted Fire Zones, residents can access the Interactive Fire Map.

Fires of Note

Red Lake 12 (RED012) – Affecting Deer Lake and Sandy Lake First Nations

• Size: 156,346 hectares

• Status: Not under control

• Update: Rainfall and cooler temperatures have helped suppress the fire’s growth. The perimeter has remained stable, approximately 6.5 km from the western boundary of Sandy Lake First Nation.

• Evacuations: Continue from Sandy Lake, with vulnerable residents flown to Thunder Bay, Kapuskasing, and southern Ontario host communities.

• Suppression Efforts:

  • FireRangers are establishing a western containment line.

  • Sprinkler systems and hoselines are being installed across infrastructure and homes.

  • Helicopters with water buckets are conducting aerial suppression when visibility allows.

  • Smoke continues to impact visibility, temporarily grounding aircraft during heavy plume periods.

Nipigon 5 (NIP005) – Near Webequie First Nation

• Fire Behaviour: On June 9, northeast winds drove the fire 10 km northward into areas bordering Winisk River Provincial Park. Fortunately, this is away from the community of Webequie.

• Protection Measures:

  • Three additional sprinkler-protected structures northwest of the fire’s edge.

  • Three helicopters on active suppression duty with a fourth aircraft being added on June 10.

  • Received 1-3 mm of rainfall on June 9, modestly assisting firefighting efforts.

Kenora 20 (KEN020) – Ingolf / Wabaseemoong

• Status: Activity continues to slow thanks to 3–5 mm of rainfall on June 9.

• Update: FireRangers are now dismantling sprinkler protection systems in Wabaseemoong as threat levels have dropped significantly.

• The fire remains under close observation, but no significant spread is expected with current conditions and accumulated suppression progress.

Implementation Orders and Restrictions

Residents and stakeholders are urged to review active Implementation Orders on the official government site at Ontario.ca/fireupdates. These orders provide guidance on access restrictions and protection measures for areas near active fires, such as Kenora 20.

Aerial Safety Reminder – No Drone Zone

Flying drones anywhere near wildfire zones is strictly prohibited and extremely dangerous. Drones can interfere with low-flying aircraft engaged in aerial suppression and endanger the lives of FireRangers and pilots.
Do not fly drones near wildfires—stay clear, stay safe.

How to Report a Wildfire

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

• South of the French or Mattawa Rivers: Call 9-1-1

Closing Note:

While the recent rainfall has brought cautious optimism, the fire season is far from over. Communities are urged to stay vigilant, comply with all restrictions, and continue monitoring official advisories. The coordinated efforts of FireRangers, aviation crews, and local partners remain critical in protecting lives and property.

Stay tuned to NetNewsLedger for continued Wildfire Coverage 2025—your trusted source for timely updates across Northern Ontario.