THUNDER BAY – WILDFIRE UPDATE – As of 9:05 p.m. CDT on June 23, Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services reports 22 active wildland fires across the Northwest Fire Region. While no new fires were confirmed that day, fire crews continue to battle significant blazes near Red Lake, Deer Lake First Nation, Sandy Lake First Nation, and Cat Lake First Nation.
Of the 22 active fires:
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2 are not under control
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3 are being held
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4 are under control
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13 are being observed
A key update includes the successful extinguishing of Kenora 14, which had reached 1,607 hectares before being declared out.
Fire Hazard Conditions
The fire hazard across Northwestern Ontario remains low, with two isolated zones of moderate risk: one northwest of Red Lake and the other east of North Spirit Lake. Residents can monitor local conditions via the province’s Interactive Fire Map.
Fires of Note
Red Lake 12 (RED012) – Near Deer Lake and Sandy Lake First Nations
Now remapped at a vast 194,127 hectares, Red Lake 12 remains the most significant fire in the region. It is still not under control but saw improved conditions today:
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Deer Lake recorded 23 mm of rainfall, and Sandy Lake received 24 mm, both within a 24-hour period.
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Cooler temperatures and precipitation have helped dampen fire behavior, particularly along the southern and eastern perimeters, where firefighting efforts are concentrated.
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24 firefighting crews are actively deployed, supported by 18 helicopters, including four heavy-lift aircraft capable of significant water drops.
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Low cloud ceilings limited aerial firefighting effectiveness on June 23.
Sioux Lookout 18 (SLK018) – Near Cat Lake First Nation
Remapped to 23,648 hectares, Sioux Lookout 18 also remains not under control, although fire activity was minimal today due to weather conditions:
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Fog and low clouds delayed air support until midday
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Winds reached up to 50 km/h with sporadic rainfall throughout the afternoon
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FireRanger crews are working from the southern edge northward along the east flank, making steady progress
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Fire teams are monitoring for potential holdover lightning fires due to recent storms
Public Safety Reminder: Drones Are Illegal Near Wildfires
Residents are reminded that flying drones near active wildfires is both illegal and dangerous. These devices can obstruct aerial operations and endanger lives. Anyone caught operating a drone near a wildfire may face significant penalties.
Reporting Wildfires
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North of French and Mattawa Rivers: Call 310-FIRE (3473)
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South of those rivers: Call 9-1-1
Stay up-to-date with current conditions and prevention tips on social media: follow @ONforestfires and @ONfeudeforet on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter). Visit Ontario.ca/fireupdates for full details.
