NetNewsLedger – July 4, 2025 | Time of Report: 18:23 CDT
Northwest Region Wildfire Activity Summary
THUNDER BAY – Wildfire Update – As of the evening of Friday, July 4, Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services reports an increase in wildfire activity across the Northwest Fire Region with three new fire starts confirmed and continued operations on multiple existing fires.
New Fires Confirmed – July 4
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Red Lake 75 (RED 075)
Located near Hampton Lake, approximately 51 km east/northeast of Pikangikum. This fire covers 0.5 hectares and is currently not under control. -
Sioux Lookout 46 (SLK 046)
Near Sutterby Lake, roughly 45 km west/northwest of Cat Lake First Nation. This 0.1-hectare fire has now been declared out. -
Red Lake 74 (RED 074)
Near Nechigona Lake, approximately 53 km east of Pikangikum. At 0.3 hectares, this fire is currently being observed.
Fires Confirmed Late July 3
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Red Lake 73 (RED 073)
Located 8 km southeast of Nungesser Road and 30 km southeast of Pikangikum. The 0.1-hectare fire is now under control. -
Sioux Lookout 45 (SLK 045)
About 19 km north of Cat Lake First Nation. This 0.3-hectare fire is being held. -
Nipigon 14 (NIP 014)
Situated east of Crayon Lake, around 87 km northwest of Nakina. The 0.5-hectare fire is also being held.
Current Fire Load
As of this update, there are 44 active wildfires in the Northwest Region:
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🔥 11 fires: Not Under Control
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🔥 5 fires: Being Held
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🔥 8 fires: Under Control
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🔥 20 fires: Being Observed
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🔥 5 fires were declared out in the past 24 hours
Fire Hazard Conditions
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Low Fire Hazard: Kenora, Dryden, Fort Frances, Thunder Bay
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Moderate to Extreme Hazard: Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, Nipigon
View your local fire hazard conditions on Ontario’s Interactive Fire Map.
Fires of Note
Red Lake 12 – Impacting Deer Lake, Sandy Lake & Keewaywin
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Status: Not Under Control
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Size: 195,670 hectares
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Fire Behaviour: Remains low due to 3–10 mm of scattered rainfall this morning
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Resources:
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20 crews active on the south and east perimeters
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8 helicopters supporting suppression
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Action Taken:
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Crews are patrolling for smoke and extinguishing hot spots using pump & hose lines
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Equipment demobilization is underway in areas where suppression is complete
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Sandy Lake First Nation: Value protection equipment has been fully removed
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Sioux Lookout 18 – Cat Lake First Nation
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Status: Now in monitoring phase
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Size: 23,648 hectares
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Update: Suppression operations have concluded. The fire is being observed only, as it no longer threatens Cat Lake First Nation.
Fireworks Safety Reminder
As you celebrate summer, please use caution when setting off fireworks. Any spark or residue that ignites a fire could result in liability for suppression costs. Opt for organized public displays instead of backyard launches to prevent unnecessary wildfires.
No Drone Zone: Protect Firefighters and Aircraft
Flying drones near forest fires is illegal and dangerous. They disrupt firefighting operations and put pilots and crews at risk. If you see a drone near an active fire, report it immediately.
Reporting a Wildfire
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North of the French and Mattawa Rivers: Call 310-FIRE (3473)
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South of these rivers: Call 911
Stay connected for updates and prevention tips:
Follow @ONforestfires / @ONfeudeforet on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter).
For More Information:
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Visit Ontario.ca/fireupdates for the latest regional updates
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Contact: Chris Marchand, Fire Information Officer
Stay fire smart, stay informed, and help protect Ontario’s forests and communities this wildfire season.
