Northwest Fire Region Report – Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Date: Friday, June 13, 2025
Time of Report: 18:21 CDT
Coverage Area: Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services – Northwest Fire Region
No New Fires, But 21 Remain Active Across the Region
The Northwest Fire Region remains in an active suppression phase, though no new wildland fires had been confirmed by early evening on June 13. A total of 21 wildland fires are currently burning across the region, each in varying stages of control:
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7 fires are not under control
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1 fire is being held
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5 fires are under control
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8 fires are being observed
The wildland fire hazard remains high across most of the Northwest Region, with the exception of the northern Nipigon sector, where the fire hazard is low to moderate.
Fires of Note
🔥 Red Lake 12 (RED012) – Deer Lake & Sandy Lake First Nations
This remains one of the most significant fires in the region, now spanning 175,962 hectares and still not under control.
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Deer Lake First Nation: FireRanger crews have constructed a consolidated fire break around the community and continue to extinguish hotspots around the fire perimeter.
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Sandy Lake First Nation: Crews, aided by heavy equipment, are working to build a fire break along the west side of the community.
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Structure Protection: Both communities are protected by sprinkler systems to shield homes and infrastructure.
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Suppression Efforts: FireRangers are establishing helipads and remote fireline camps to facilitate further suppression along the east and west flanks.
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Aerial Support: Heavy-lift helicopters equipped with heli-buckets continue to provide water drops on the fire’s eastern edge.
🔥 Nipigon 5 (NIP005) – Webequie First Nation
This fire holds steady at 10,816 hectares and also remains not under control, though suppression efforts are making headway.
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Progress Report: FireRangers are installing hose lines with the support of water-bucketing helicopters.
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Fire Behaviour: The most active sections are currently on the northeast and southeast arms of the fire, where crews are concentrating their efforts.
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No new growth was reported on June 13.
Implementation Orders Revoked in Kenora District
Effective June 13 at 8:00 a.m. CDT, all Implementation Orders previously in effect for wildfires Kenora 20 and Kenora 32 have been revoked.
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All evacuation and restricted access orders have been lifted.
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Travel on roads and use of lakes in these areas has resumed.
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Crown Land usage in the affected zones is now permitted.
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Residents of Rice Lake have been cleared to return to their properties.
While suppression efforts continue on Kenora 20 and 32, public safety risks have now been mitigated.
Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) – Lifted as of June 13
The Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) that covered Zones 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 was officially revoked on Friday, June 13 at 12:01 a.m. CDT.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry thanks residents and visitors for their cooperation during the RFZ. Although fire bans have been lifted, extreme caution is still urged, particularly given that fire hazards can change rapidly based on weather and fuel conditions.
A gentle reminder: The end of the RFZ does not mean the end of fire season. Human-caused fires remain a serious threat. Always follow Ontario’s Outdoor Fires Regulations, even outside restricted zones.
Local municipalities may still enforce fire bans or restrictions, so always check with your township before lighting any outdoor fires.
Stay Informed and Stay Safe
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Drone Usage Warning: Flying drones near forest fires is illegal and dangerous. It places aircraft crews, firefighters, and emergency responders at serious risk. Always respect No Drone Zones.
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Report a Wildland Fire:
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North of the French and Mattawa Rivers: Call 310-FIRE (3473)
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South of these rivers: Call 911
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Stay updated and check the Ontario Forest Fire Info Map for live fire statuses, hazard ratings, and restricted areas.
Final Thoughts
As fire activity remains persistent across the Northwest Region, crews continue their tireless efforts on the ground and in the air. With fire hazards still high in many areas, vigilance from the public is more important than ever. By staying informed and practicing safe outdoor fire habits, we all contribute to protecting our communities and Ontario’s vast natural landscapes.
