Sioux Lookout 25 held; Red Lake 12 grows to 183,208 ha as operations intensify

THUNDER BAY – WILDFIRE REPORT – In tonight’s comprehensive briefing, Fire Information Officer Evan Lizotte from Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services provides an in-depth update on wildfire activity in the Northwest Fire Region as of June 19, 2025 (19:42 CDT).

🔥 New Incident: Sioux Lookout 25 (SLK025)

• Location: 5.9 km west of Whitestone Lake, 0.7 km south of Delbridge Lake

• Size: 0.2 hectares

• Status: Held — fire activity controlled and contained

🔥 Region-Wide Fire Profile

There are currently 25 active wildland fires in the Northwest Region, categorized as follows:

• 4 not under control: ongoing suppression efforts required

• 4 held: fully contained but actively monitored (including SLK025)

• 6 under control: fire behaviour stabilized, but still monitored

• 11 being observed: no active spread, under surveillance

🔥 Fire Hazard Levels

• Southern Sector: Primarily low

• Far-North Sector: Ranges from moderate to high

Residents should consult the Interactive Fire Hazard Map for the latest local assessments.

🔥 Fires of Note: Ongoing Operations

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

• Size: 183,208.5 hectares—not under control

• No further encroachment toward communities reported

• Aerial suppression using waterbombers and heavy-lift helicopters focused on active eastern and southern perimeters

• Ground crews continue constructing hose lines along fire edge

• Structural protection systems active in Deer Lake, Sandy Lake, and Keewaywin

• No rainfall recorded in the area since June 9

Nipigon 5 (NIP005) – Webequie First Nation

• Size: 10,816 hectares—not under control

• Low-intensity activity noted; primary flames contained

• Crews targeting heat zones on northeast and southeast fire arms

Sioux Lookout 18 (SLK018) – Cat Lake First Nation

• Size: 23,816 hectares—not under control

• Nine FireRanger crews currently constructing firebreaks south and east of the Cat Lake community

• Approximately 15 mm of rain has fallen in the affected area since Tuesday evening

• Thursday conditions: partly sunny, temperatures in high teens to low 20s°C

• Bucketing helicopters remain in operation to support ground teams

• Fire behaviour low; no new flare-ups reported

• Ontario Incident Management Team has taken command; working closely with local fire headquarters and Sioux Lookout personnel

🚫 No Drone Zone: Safety Reminder

Flying drones near wildfire zones is illegal and highly dangerous. Drones disrupt aerial suppression efforts and risk the safety of both air and ground firefighting crews. Please obey fire-zone airspace restrictions.

📞 How to Report Wildland Fires

• North of French/Mattawa Rivers: Dial 310‑FIRE (3473)

• South of French/Mattawa Rivers: Dial 9‑1‑1

🌐 Stay Informed

• Follow @ONforestfires and @ONfeudeforet on Facebook, Instagram, and X for real-time updates and fire safety guidance

• For ongoing wildfire information, including hazard layers and fire size maps, visit Ontario.ca/fireupdates