THUNDER BAY – WILDFIRE UPDATE – Fire activity continues across the Northwest Fire Region, with one new fire confirmed on Wednesday, June 25, bringing the total number of active fires to 23 across the region.
The new fire, Dryden 14 (DRY014), is located approximately 10.5 kilometres east of Highway 105 near Affleck Lake. It is currently being held at 0.1 hectares, meaning it is not likely to spread beyond current boundaries under prevailing conditions.
Current Fire Status Across the Region
As of 6:57 p.m. CDT:
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3 fires are not under control
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2 are being held
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6 are under control
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12 are being observed
The wildland fire hazard across the Northwest is predominantly low, with moderate pockets spread throughout the region—except in Kenora, which remains low across the board. Residents can check the Interactive Fire Hazard Map for real-time updates in their area.
Fires of Note
Red Lake 12 (RED012) – Deer Lake & Sandy Lake First Nations
At 194,127 hectares, Red Lake 12 continues to be a high-priority fire and remains not under control. While recent rainfall has helped suppress fire activity, lingering drought conditions are keeping ground fuels dry—allowing the fire to smolder and re-emerge with warmer, sunnier weather.
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Fire behaviour was minimal today, though crews remain cautious.
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Overnight infrared scanning will help locate deep-burning hot spots for helicopter bucket teams.
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29 firefighting crews are now active in three sectors on the fire’s southern and eastern flanks, supported by 18 helicopters, including four heavy-lift aircraft.
Crews reaching the end of their two-week deployments are now being rotated out and replaced with fresh personnel.
Sioux Lookout 18 (SLK018) – Near Cat Lake First Nation
Also not under control, Sioux Lookout 18 holds steady at 23,648 hectares. Today saw minimal fire behaviour once again, giving FireRanger teams valuable time to make progress on containment.
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Crews were active on the west flank, using helicopter sling support to transport supplies and equipment.
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Patrol operations continued along the east perimeter, with teams working roughly 100 feet inside the fire’s edge.
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Dry and sunny weather is forecast for the rest of the week, with temperatures expected to stay in the low to mid-20s Celsius.
No Drone Zone Reminder
Flying drones near active wildfire zones is strictly prohibited. These aircraft endanger the lives of pilots and ground crews and may cause flight operations to be suspended. Residents are urged to keep the skies clear for suppression efforts.
Reporting Wildfires
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North of the French and Mattawa Rivers: Call 310-FIRE (3473)
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South of the French or Mattawa Rivers: Call 9-1-1
For wildfire prevention tips, current conditions, and live updates, follow @ONforestfires and @ONfeudeforet on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter). Full reports and maps are available at Ontario.ca/fireupdates.
