The Northwest Fire Region confirmed three new wildland fires by the evening of Saturday, June 21, bringing the total number of active fires in the region to 25. Fire crews continue to work across varied terrain and weather conditions, balancing ongoing suppression with preparation for potential flare-ups following lightning activity.
Newly Confirmed Fires:
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Kenora 43 (KEN043):
🔥 Size: 0.1 hectares
📍 Location: Off Highway 17, between Royal Lake and Moth Lake
✅ Status: Called out -
Sioux Lookout 31 (SLK031):
🔥 Size: 0.3 hectares
📍 Location: East side of Savant Lake, approximately 2.5 km southwest of Hazel Lake
❌ Status: Not under control -
Sioux Lookout 32 (SLK032):
🔥 Size: 1 hectare
📍 Location: Island on Sachigo Lake
🔍 Status: Being observed
Active Fires Overview:
As of this report, there are 25 active wildland fires in the Northwest Region:
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🔥 3 Not Under Control
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🟡 4 Being Held
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✅ 5 Under Control
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🔍 13 Being Observed
Current Fire Hazard Conditions:
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🔥 Low to Moderate: Across the southern half of the region
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🔥 High to Extreme: Concentrated in the Far North, particularly along the Manitoba border
For detailed and real-time updates on fire conditions, visit the Ontario Wildland Fire Interactive Map.
Fires of Note:
🔥 Red Lake 12 (RED012) – Impacting Deer Lake and Sandy Lake First Nations
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🗺️ Size: Remapped at 192,001 hectares
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🧭 Eastern perimeter spans over 65 kilometres
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☔ Rainfall: Deer Lake received 2.6 mm; Sandy Lake received 2.2 mm overnight
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👨🚒 Resources Deployed:
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23 firefighting crews
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18 helicopters, including 4 heavy-lift units for enhanced waterbucketing
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🔥 Status: Not Under Control
🔥 Nipigon 5 (NIP005) – Near Webequie First Nation
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📏 Size: 10,816 hectares
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☔ Rainfall: Received 10 mm by Saturday afternoon
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🔧 Current Focus: Mop-up operations following significant rainfall
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🔒 Status: Being Held
🔥 Sioux Lookout 18 (SLK018) – Near Cat Lake First Nation
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📏 Size: 23,816 hectares
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☔ Weather Update: Heavy rain followed by thunderstorms and lightning reduced fire activity
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🚫 Flight Impact: Low cloud ceiling grounded air operations for most of Saturday
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👨🚒 Operations: Crews capitalized on calmer conditions to secure southern and southwestern perimeters
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🌩️ Concern: Potential holdover lightning fires from recent storms being closely monitored
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❌ Status: Not Under Control
Public Advisory: No Drone Zone!
⚠️ Flying drones near wildfires is both dangerous and illegal. Drones interfere with aerial suppression operations and pose a direct threat to pilot and firefighter safety. Do your part—stay clear of active fire zones.
Outdoor Burning Reminder
If you’re disposing of yard debris:
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Fires must only be lit two hours before sunset and extinguished two hours after sunrise
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Always have tools and water on-site
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Consider composting or landfill disposal to reduce risk
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Follow Ontario’s Outdoor Burning Regulations
Reporting Wildfires
📞 North of the French and Mattawa Rivers: Dial 310-FIRE (3473)
📞 South of the French and Mattawa Rivers: Dial 9-1-1
Stay informed on wildfire activity by following @ONforestfires and @ONfeudeforet on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Preparedness, community vigilance, and responsible outdoor practices remain vital in keeping Northwestern Ontario safe this wildfire season.
NetNewsLedger 2025 Wildfire Report
By Alison Bezubiak – Fire Information Officer, Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services
Northwest Fire Region – June 21, 2025 – 18:10 CDT
