Red Lake 12 Remains Active, Crews Respond to New Starts Amid Shifting Weather Conditions

THUNDER BAY, ON – As Canada Day celebrations unfold across the region, four new wildfires have been confirmed in Northwestern Ontario, according to Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES). The report, released at 5:16 p.m. CDT on July 1, outlines ongoing fire suppression efforts and highlights fire behaviour in key areas such as Red Lake, Cat Lake, and Nakina.

New Fires – July 1, 2025

• Red Lake 57: Near Goose Lake, approx. 71 km west of Cat Lake First Nation. 0.1 hectares, not under control.

• Nipigon 12 (NIP 012): South shore of Trident Lake, approx. 28 km north of Nakina. 1.5 hectares, not under control.

• Red Lake 55 (RED 055): North of Stormer Lake, approx. 23 km southeast of Pikangikum. Being held at 0.1 hectares.

• Red Lake 56 (RED 056): On an island in Stout Lake, approx. 16 km west of Poplar Hill First Nation. 0.1 hectares, being monitored.

Current Regional Fire Activity

As of this update, 34 active fires are burning in the Northwest Fire Region:

• 10 fires are not under control

• 1 fire is being held

• 7 fires are under control

• 16 fires are being monitored

Fire hazard levels are currently moderate to low across most of the region. However, high fire hazard conditions persist in parts of Kenora, Red Lake, Dryden, and Fort Frances fire management areas. View current fire risk via Ontario’s Interactive Fire Map.

Fires of Note

Red Lake 12 – Impacting Deer Lake, Sandy Lake, Keewaywin First Nations

• Size: 195,670 hectares

• Status: Not under control

• Rainfall (June 28–30): 25–35 mm reduced fire behaviour

• Current conditions: Sun and cloud transitioning to warm, dry weather

• Resources: 23 firefighting crews, 12 helicopters

• Activity: Crews working the southern and eastern perimeters, demobilizing equipment where appropriate

• Fire growth observed on the northwest and western flanks

Sioux Lookout 18 – Cat Lake First Nation

• Size: 23,648 hectares

• Status: Minimal fire behaviour

• Command transitioned back to Sioux Lookout Fire Management Headquarters

• Monitoring ongoing following recent lightning activity with hot, dry conditions forecast this week

Canada Day Fireworks Reminder

As festivities continue, residents are reminded: you are responsible if fireworks spark a wildfire. Costs to extinguish can be charged to individuals. Choose organized fireworks events instead of setting them off near grass, brush, or forests.

Drone Use Around Fires Is Illegal

Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous and illegal. It puts firefighting aircraft and crews at risk. Always stay clear of fire zones.

Report Wildfires Promptly

• North of French & Mattawa Rivers: Call 310-FIRE (3473)

• South of French or Mattawa Rivers: Dial 9-1-1

Stay informed by following @ONforestfires and @ONfeudeforet on social media, or visit Ontario.ca/fireupdates.

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