Fire Activity Surges to 46 Active Blazes; Crews Battle Flames Near Cat Lake, Poplar Hill, and North Spirit Lake

THUNDER BAY, ON – As wildfire activity intensifies across Northwestern Ontario, the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) reports that 17 new wildfires were confirmed by early evening on July 2, 2025, adding to an already active landscape. The region now faces 46 total wildfires, including 20 that remain out of control.

Hot, dry conditions, coupled with suspected lightning holdovers, are driving increased fire starts across fire zones stretching from Pikangikum to Wabakimi, and Poplar Hill to Cat Lake.

New Fire Locations and Status – July 2

Red Lake District:

• RED 069 – Near Murfitt Lake, 30 km east of Pikangikum – 0.2 ha, not under control

• RED 068 – East of Riggs Lake, 44 km west of Cat Lake FN – 0.3 ha, not under control

• RED 067 – West of Conover Lake, 68 km west of Cat Lake FN – Status pending

• RED 066 – South of Leone Lake, 53 km southeast of North Spirit Lake – 0.1 ha, not under control

• RED 065 – Near Throat River, 54 km south of North Spirit Lake FN – 0.1 ha, not under control

• RED 064 – South shore of Old Shoes Lake, 11 km north of Poplar Hill FN – 0.1 ha, not under control

• RED 063 – South of Grist Lake, 40 km east of Poplar Hill FN – 0.2 ha, not under control

• RED 062 – North of Woodley Lake, 1.6 km SW of Nungesser Rd, 53 km north of Red Lake – 10 ha, received air attack

• RED 061 – Near Mamakwash Lake, 92 km northeast of Red Lake – Status pending

• RED 060 – 2.5 km northwest of Pringle Lake – 0.1 ha, not under control

• RED 059 – 6 km northeast of Storey Lake, 16 km west of Mamakwash Lake – 0.3 ha, being held

• RED 058 – 2.5 km north of Bulging Lake – 0.2 ha, not under control

Dryden District:

• DRY 018 – NE shore of Norm Lake, 8.6 km from Hwy. 599 at Silver Dollar – 0.1 ha, received air attack

• DRY 017 – 150 m south of Balmoral River, near McNamara Lake – 0.1 ha, not under control

• DRY 016 – North end of Fowler Lake – 0.1 ha, not under control

Thunder Bay District:

• THU 020 – East of Redman Lake, Wabakimi Provincial Park, 78 km NW of Armstrong – Status pending

Sioux Lookout District:

• SLK 041 – Heron Lake – 0.1 ha, under control

Fire Status Summary – July 2

• Active fires: 46

• Not under control: 20

• Being held: 4

• Under control: 6

• Being observed: 16

Current Fire Hazard Levels

The fire danger rating remains high to extreme in the Kenora fire management area, with similarly elevated risk conditions in Dryden, Fort Frances, and parts of the Red Lake and Sioux Lookout zones. The Far North remains relatively stable, with moderate to low hazard levels.

Residents, travellers, and those living in First Nations communities should monitor conditions closely and refer to Ontario’s Interactive Fire Map for updates.

Fires of Note

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

• Size: 195,670 hectares

• Status: Not under control

• Current Conditions: Low fire behaviour after recent rainfall

• Resources: 23 firefighting crews, supported by 9 helicopters

• Action: Crews continue pump and hose suppression in southern and eastern sections. An overnight infrared scan revealed ongoing heat in the western perimeter and Finger Lake area.

• Demobilization: Firefighting equipment is being removed in areas where sufficient progress has been made, including Sandy Lake First Nation, where values protection efforts are being scaled back.

Sioux Lookout 18 – Cat Lake First Nation

• Size: 23,648 hectares

• Status: Minimal fire behaviour

• Update: Incident management has been handed back to the Sioux Lookout Fire Management Headquarters.

• Outlook: AFFES is monitoring for new lightning holdovers, as drying conditions continue across the area.

Canada Day Safety Reminder – Fireworks

As residents across Northwestern Ontario continue Canada Day celebrations, authorities urge extreme caution with personal fireworks. Individuals found responsible for igniting a wildfire through fireworks may be held financially liable for fire suppression costs. Whenever possible, attend organized displays instead.

No Drone Zone: Stay Clear of Wildfires

Flying drones near wildland fires is not only illegal but highly dangerous. Drones interfere with aerial firefighting operations and put fire crews and aircraft at risk. Always keep drones away from active fire zones.

Reporting Wildfires

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

• South of French or Mattawa Rivers: Call 911

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