THUNDER BAY – WILDFIRE UPDATE – The Northwest Fire Region continues to experience active wildfire conditions, though cooler weather and targeted suppression efforts have contributed to reduced fire behaviour in major zones. A total of five new wildland fires were confirmed by the evening of June 24, bringing the regional total to 24 active fires.
New Fires Confirmed June 24
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Sioux Lookout 33 (SLK033):
Located approximately 3.8 km southeast of Hudson, near Botham Bay on Big Vermilion Lake. The 0.1-hectare fire has since been declared out. -
Dryden 13 (DRY013):
Found about 8.2 km east of Highway 502, between Alston Lake and Dinorwic Lake. The 0.1-hectare fire is under control. -
Red Lake 31 (RED031):
Discovered 2.6 km west of the North Spirit Lake Winter Road and 10.2 km southwest of Mahkahtahkahmaekoo Sahkaheekahn (Sampson Lake). This 0.1-hectare fire is now out. -
Red Lake 32 (RED032):
Located 3.3 km east of Meeteekooneekahmeeng (Dolphin Lake) near the McInnis River. The fire was called out at 0.1 hectares. -
Red Lake 33 (RED033):
Positioned 5.8 km southeast of McIntosh Bay, close to the southern edge of the large Red Lake 12 fire. The 0.1-hectare fire is not under control.
Current Fire Status in Northwest Region
As of this update:
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4 fires are not under control
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1 fire is being held
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7 fires are under control
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12 fires are being observed
Fire officials report that the wildland fire hazard remains low throughout the Northwest Region, but weather patterns and recent lightning could lead to holdover fires in the coming days. Residents can monitor local risk levels using the Interactive Fire Hazard Map.
Fires of Note
Red Lake 12 (RED012) – Near Deer Lake & Sandy Lake First Nations
Still not under control, Red Lake 12 spans an estimated 194,127 hectares. However, recent 25mm rainfall in the Deer Lake and Sandy Lake areas, combined with cooler temperatures and higher humidity, have greatly reduced fire intensity.
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23 crews remain on the ground across three divisions on the fire’s southern and eastern flanks.
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18 helicopters, including four heavy-lift aircraft, continue to support bucket operations.
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Infrared scans are being flown to detect and target remaining hotspots.
Officials expect several more days of subdued fire behaviour, giving crews an opportunity to access and suppress areas that were previously too dangerous to approach.
Sioux Lookout 18 (SLK018) – Near Cat Lake First Nation
Also not under control, this fire covers 23,648 hectares. An Incident Management Team remains on-site, along with:
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10 FireRanger crews
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5 helicopters
Although weather on Tuesday featured a mix of sun and cloud, late afternoon showers over the fire’s southern edge helped suppress activity. Some light smoke observed may have originated from SLK030, a nearby monitored fire.
Progress continues as crews work northward along the east flank of the fire perimeter, establishing hoselines and containing flare-ups. Fire behaviour remains minimal, but officials are on alert for lightning-induced holdover fires.
Safety Reminder: No Drone Zone
Members of the public are reminded that drones are strictly prohibited near wildfires. Unauthorized drone activity poses a critical safety hazard to aircraft and personnel engaged in suppression efforts. Violators may face substantial fines and legal consequences.
Outdoor Burning Reminder
With wildfire conditions still active, residents are urged to follow Ontario’s Outdoor Burning Regulations.
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Fires may be lit only within two hours before sunset
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Fires must be extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise
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Always keep adequate water and tools on hand
Safer alternatives include composting or using local landfill services for disposing of yard waste and brush.
Reporting a Wildland Fire
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North of the French and Mattawa Rivers: Call 310-FIRE (3473)
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South of the French and Mattawa Rivers: Call 9-1-1
Stay up to date on the fire situation by following @ONforestfires and @ONfeudeforet on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter). Visit Ontario.ca/fireupdates for detailed regional maps and updates.
