Three new fires confirmed; Red Lake 12 remains a priority near northern First Nations communities

THUNDER BAY – WILDFIRE REPORT – The wildfire season continues to challenge emergency services in Northwestern Ontario, with three new wildland fires confirmed in the region as of 5:40 p.m. CDT on July 5, 2025, according to Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES).

In total, 42 active fires are burning across the Northwest Fire Region, with 11 fires not under control, 2 being held, 7 under control, and 22 under observation.

New Fires: Red Lake and Sioux Lookout Districts See Activity

• Red Lake 77 (RED 077): Located 26 km east of Ear Falls, south of Celt Lake, this 0.4-hectare fire is not under control.

• Red Lake 76 (RED 076): Located 59 km west/northwest of Cat Lake First Nation, north of Throat River, this 0.2-hectare fire is also not under control.

• Sioux Lookout 47 (SLK 047): Burning south of Kinasao Lake, about 61 km east/southeast of North Spirit Lake First Nation, this fire has grown to 20 hectares and is currently being observed.

Wildland Fire Hazard: High to Extreme in Far North

Fire danger remains high to extreme in far northern stretches of the Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, and Nipigon fire management areas. Meanwhile, areas closer to Kenora and Dryden report moderate to low fire hazard levels, and the Fort Frances and southern Thunder Bay areas are currently seeing low hazard conditions.

Residents and cottagers are encouraged to use the province’s Interactive Fire Map at Ontario.ca/forestfire to monitor local conditions.

Fire of Note: Red Lake 12 Near Sandy Lake, Keewaywin, Deer Lake

The most significant fire in the Northwest remains Red Lake 12, which continues to burn near Sandy Lake, Keewaywin, and Deer Lake First Nations. Fire behaviour remains low, but suppression efforts are extensive:

• 20 fire crews are assigned across three key divisions along the southern and eastern perimeters

• 7 helicopters are supporting crews with water bucketing

• Crews are actively patrolling for smokes, and using pump and hose systems to target hotspots

• Demobilization of firefighting equipment is underway in areas that are stabilized

• Repatriation efforts for Sandy Lake First Nation residents are ongoing, signalling improved fire conditions near the community

Fireworks & Drone Safety: Public Urged to Take Responsibility

AFFES is reminding residents that fireworks, if used irresponsibly, can start dangerous wildfires. Individuals found responsible for starting a fire through fireworks may face the costs of suppression. Consider attending community-organized fireworks events instead of setting them off privately.

Additionally, the public is warned: flying drones near forest fires is illegal and dangerous. Unauthorized drone use endangers the lives of fire crews and pilots and can halt aerial suppression efforts. Stay clear and respect all flight restrictions during wildfire response.

Report Wildfires Immediately

Prompt reporting is essential for effective fire suppression:

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

• South of French or Mattawa Rivers: Dial 911

Stay informed through @ONforestfires and @ONfeudeforet on Facebook, Instagram, and X for bilingual updates. Additional resources and live maps can be found at Ontario.ca/fireupdates.