Crews Tackle New Starts as Major Fires Persist Across the Region
By Alison Bezubiak, Fire Information Officer
Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services
Time of Report: 6:34 PM CDT, June 17, 2025
Fire Activity Continues Across the Northwest Region
NORTHWEST ONTARIO – It has been another active day for wildland fire activity in the Northwest Fire Region, with three new wildfires confirmed by early evening on June 17, bringing the total number of active fires to 25.
These new fire starts are small in size but currently not under control:
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Red Lake 22 (RED022): Located about 4 km south of Hornell Lake and 8.3 km east of the Manitoba border, this fire is 5.0 hectares in size and not yet under control.
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Red Lake 23 (RED023): Located 21.5 km northeast of Goose Lake, near the Throat River, it’s currently 0.5 hectares, also not under control.
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Sioux Lookout 24 (SLK024): Burning near Root River, approximately 46 km south of Slate Falls Nation. This fire is 0.2 hectares in size and remains uncontained.
Current Wildfire Status Across the Region
As of this report, the Northwest Region is managing 25 active wildland fires at various levels of control:
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8 fires are not under control
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2 fires are being held
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5 fires are under control
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10 fires are being observed
The wildland fire hazard ranges from low to high across the region. The Far North remains predominantly moderate to high, while Thunder Bay, Fort Frances, and the southern Nipigon sector enjoy low hazard levels for the time being.
Fires of Note: Where Crews Are Concentrating Their Efforts
🔥 Red Lake 12 (RED012) – Deer Lake First Nation and Sandy Lake First Nation
This massive fire has now been remapped to 177,087 hectares and remains not under control.
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Active fire behaviour is continuing in areas where wind direction and speed shift, especially on exposed flanks.
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Heavy helicopters and waterbombers have played a key role in managing the fire’s intensity in critical zones.
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Despite its size, the fire has not advanced closer to the nearby communities of Deer Lake or Sandy Lake, thanks to persistent suppression and structure protection efforts.
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FireRanger crews, supported by bucketing helicopters, are continuing to maintain sprinkler systems and reinforce hose lines around infrastructure in Deer Lake, Sandy Lake, and Keewaywin.
🔥 Nipigon 5 (NIP005) – Webequie First Nation
Still not under control at 10,816 hectares, this fire has displayed low-intensity behaviour today, giving crews a needed opportunity to advance suppression efforts.
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FireRangers are targeting the fire’s northeast and southeast arms, where the most persistent activity has been located.
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Better weather conditions have helped reveal hotspots, allowing teams to address them more directly.
🔥 Sioux Lookout 18 (SLK018) – Cat Lake First Nation
At 23,816 hectares, this fire continues to burn out of control, but progress is being made.
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Focus is currently on the southwest flank, which is nearest to Cat Lake First Nation.
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Aerial suppression continues with coordinated efforts from waterbombers and helicopters.
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Encouragingly, cooler temperatures and some precipitation in the forecast could support suppression progress over the coming days.
Stay Vigilant – No Drone Zone
Flying drones near wildfires is illegal and dangerous. Not only does it interfere with aerial suppression aircraft, but it puts lives—including those of pilots and ground crews—at significant risk.
Report a Wildfire
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North of the French and Mattawa Rivers: Call 310-FIRE
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South of the French and Mattawa Rivers: Call 9-1-1
Final Word: Awareness and Responsibility Go Hand-in-Hand
With fire hazards remaining elevated in much of the Far North, residents and visitors are urged to be mindful of fire safety. Even where hazard ratings are currently low, conditions can shift rapidly. Avoid unnecessary burning, keep campfires small and attended, and be ready to respond quickly in the event of a fire start.
