June 10, 2025 | Report Time: 20:25 CDT | NetNewsLedger.com – Climate News
Thunder Bay, ON – As wildland fire season continues to intensify across Northwestern Ontario, Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) is reporting one new fire and steady activity on multiple active fronts in the Northwest Fire Region. Cooler temperatures and recent rainfall have eased overall hazard levels in many areas, but key fires—especially near remote First Nations communities—remain out of control and demand sustained emergency response.
New Fire Discovery: Sioux Lookout 21 Ignites Northeast of Big Trout Lake
A new blaze—Sioux Lookout 21—was confirmed early Tuesday evening, June 10. Located approximately 38 kilometres northeast of Big Trout Lake, near the west side of Fawn River, the 15-hectare fire is currently not under control. Crews are assessing suppression needs and evaluating access options, with efforts expected to intensify as weather permits.
Active Fire Overview: 21 Fires Burning Across Region
As of this evening’s update, the Northwest Region is managing 21 active wildland fires:
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7 Fires Not Under Control
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6 Fires Under Control
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8 Fires Being Observed
Following recent rainfall and lower temperatures, the overall wildfire hazard has dropped to low across much of the region. However, a swath of moderate hazard—with isolated high-risk pockets—persists through the central Sioux Lookout and Nipigon fire management sectors.
AFFES continues to monitor this zone closely for flare-ups and new starts as dry intervals return.
To view hazard conditions and current Restricted Fire Zone boundaries, residents and travelers are encouraged to access Ontario’s Interactive Wildfire Map.
Fires of Note: Major Incidents Across the Northwest
🔥 Red Lake 12 (RED012) – Threatens Sandy Lake First Nation
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Size: 163,122 hectares
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Status: Not Under Control
Red Lake 12 remains one of the largest and most critical wildfires in the province. The increase in fire size is based on aerial verification, with perimeter mapping along the southwest flank now updated.
Key Update:
The fire’s head remains approximately 6.5 kilometres from the western edge of Sandy Lake First Nation. On-the-ground suppression crews, known as FireRangers, are making significant progress setting up a consolidated perimeter line to protect the community. Heavy machinery is being deployed to assist with creating a defensive fire break.
Aerial suppression continues via helicopters and buckets, targeting hot spots and supporting crews building hose lines, pumps, and sprinkler perimeters around community infrastructure.
🔥 Nipigon 5 (NIP005) – Near Webequie First Nation
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Size: 10,816 hectares
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Status: Not Under Control
Despite ongoing intensity, low fire activity was observed today due to 10-20 mm of rainfall over the fire area. FireRangers are actively building hoselines on the northeast edge of the fire, where earlier excursions pushed toward sensitive values. Sprinkler systems remain operational to protect structures and key assets.
🔥 Kenora 20 (KEN020) – Affecting Ingolf, Wabaseemoong, and Malachi Lake
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Size: 36,043 hectares
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Status: Not Under Control
Minimal fire activity and little visible smoke were reported today, signaling potential progress in suppression. Crews are now focused on identifying and extinguishing hotspots throughout the Ontario side of the fire perimeter. Sprinkler and hose protection equipment has been fully demobilized from Wabaseemoong as immediate threats ease.
Implementation Orders remain in place for this fire. For specific restriction zones, visit: Ontario Fire Updates.
Public Safety Reminders
🚫 No Drone Zone
Flying drones near forest fires is strictly prohibited. It endangers aircraft, firefighters, and emergency operations. If you’re caught flying a drone near a wildfire, you could face legal penalties.
🔥 Report Wildfires Promptly
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North of French and Mattawa Rivers: Dial 310-FIRE
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South of French or Mattawa Rivers: Dial 9-1-1
Conclusion: Preparedness and Vigilance Remain Critical
While recent rainfall has moderated fire conditions in many areas of the Northwest Region, critical incidents near communities such as Sandy Lake and Webequie continue to demand high-level response coordination. Fire crews, aircraft, and support teams remain on high alert as weather patterns shift and the 2025 wildfire season evolves.
NetNewsLedger will continue to provide ongoing updates on wildfire conditions across Northwestern Ontario.
