2025 Northern Ontario Wildfire Update – Jun 15, 2025

Northwest Fire Region – June 15, 2025 – 19:10 CDT

New Wildfires Confirmed

• Fort Frances 16 (FOR016): Light ignition on Twentyfour Island in Lac La Croix, bordering the U.S., covering ~0.1 ha. Fire has been brought under control.

• Sioux Lookout 23 (SLK023): Remote location, roughly 52 km north of Big Trout Lake near the Severn River. Mapped at 150 ha, currently under observation with no active suppression at this time.

Northwest Region Wildfire Overview

• Total Active Fires: 24

  • Uncontrolled: 6

  • Held: 2

  • Under Control: 5

  • Under Observation: 11

Most of the region remains under high to extreme fire hazard, with some moderate hazard zones in northern Sioux Lookout and Nipigon sectors.
👉 Check our Interactive Map for fire zone boundaries and current hazard assessments in your specific area.

🔎 Fires of Note

🔶 1. Red Lake 12 (RED012) – Deer Lake / Sandy Lake First Nations

• 📏 Size: 175,962 ha (expanding)

• 🔥 Status: Uncontrolled

• Response Actions:

  • A new firefighting division will be established along the fire’s eastern flank.

  • Near Sandy Lake FN, crews are strategically deploying sprinkler systems and securing infrastructure.

  • Eastern fire edges are being patrolled with hose lines; hotspots are being drenched using helicopter buckets.

🔶 2. Nipigon 5 (NIP005) – Webequie First Nation

• 📏 Size: 10,816 ha

• 🔥 Status: Uncontrolled

• Response Actions:

  • FireRanger teams continue rolling out hose lines & conducting hotspot patrols.

  • Helicopter water-bucketing supports crew efforts.

  • Fire activity is strongest in the fire’s interior and both its northeast and southeast ‘arms’.

🔶 3. Sioux Lookout 18 (SLK018) – Cat Lake First Nation

• 📅 Discovered: June 7

• 📏 Size: 17,901 ha

• 🔥 Status: Uncontrolled

• Growth: Weekend heat and sunny weather accelerated fire expansion.

• Response Actions:

  • FireRanger units focus on protecting values, installing hose lines along southwest perimeter near Cat Lake FN.

  • Aerial firefighting via bucketing helicopters and CL‑415 water bombers continues steadily.

🛩️ From the Air – Aviation Support

Aviation resources have been instrumental in hotspot extinguishing and perimeter defense. Helicopter bucket drops are active across all major fires in proximity to communities. CL‑415 water bombers are deployed into the skies above Sioux Lookout 18 and Nipigon 5 to bolster ground efforts and protect critical infrastructure.

🚫 No Drone Zone – Safety Alert

Unauthorized drone flights near wildfires are illegal and dangerous. They jeopardize:

• Pilot and aircraft safety

• Effective aerial firefighting operations

• Ground crews and surrounding communities

Reminder: Do not fly drones near any active or reported wildfires.

📞 Reporting Wildland Fires

• North of the French or Mattawa Rivers: Dial 310-FIRE

• South of the French or Mattawa Rivers: Dial 9‑1‑1

✅ Summary for Residents & Communities

Residents are urged to remain vigilant, heed evacuation orders, and stay informed via the Interactive Fire Map. Let’s all play our part in safeguarding the region.

Stay safe, stay prepared — from Aviation, Forest Fire & Emergency Services, Northwest Fire Region.