Northwest Ontario Wildfire Update – July 7, 2025 Fire activity rises with 47 active blazes in region; extreme hazard pockets persist in Red Lake, Sioux Lookout sectors

THUNDER BAY – WILDFIRE UPDATE (July 7, 2025 – 18:06 CDT): Fire activity continues to intensify across Northwestern Ontario, with six new wildland fires confirmed since the last update and the total number of active fires rising to 47, according to Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES).

Of these active fires:

• 9 fires are not under control

• 3 fires are being held

• 9 fires are under control

• 26 fires are currently being observed

New Fires – July 6 (Evening Confirmations)

1. Thunder Bay 23 (THU023)

   • Size: 1.0 hectare

   • Location: ~2.9 km west of Alphonse Bay, Caribou Lake; ~21 km northwest of Armstrong

   • Status: Now under control

   • A quick response brought this small fire under control, reducing its risk to nearby wilderness areas and isolated structures.

2. Nipigon 15 (NIP015)

   • Size: 0.5 hectare

   • Location: ~16.8 km north of Kagianagami Lake, near Kellow Lake

   • Status: Being held

   • Crews are continuing to secure fire lines on this small, northern fire, which remains stable at present.

3. Red Lake 80 (RED080)

   • Size: 0.1 hectare

   • Location: Near Flanagan River, west of North Spirit Lake First Nation

   • Status: Called out

   • The fire was quickly extinguished and declared out.

4. Sioux Lookout 50 (SLK050)

   • Size: 0.1 hectare

   • Location: East shore of Horseshoe Lake, ~18.8 km west of Pipestone River Provincial Park

   • Status: Called out

   • The fire was successfully extinguished before spreading further.

New Fires – July 7 (Evening Confirmations)

5. Sioux Lookout 51 (SLK051)

   • Size: 1.0 hectare

   • Location: Stewart Bay area, west side of North Caribou Lake

   • Status: Not under control

   • This fire remains active in remote terrain. Crews are monitoring conditions as suppression plans are assessed.

6. Sioux Lookout 52 (SLK052)

   • Size: 3.5 hectares

   • Location: ~3.8 km southwest of Delbridge Lake, ~7.4 km west of Whitestone Lake

   • Status: Being observed

   • This fire is located in a wilderness zone. AFFES will continue surveillance unless weather or fire behavior requires intervention.

Current Fire Hazard Conditions – July 7

The fire hazard in Northwestern Ontario is now classified as:

• Low to moderate near the southern border

• Mainly high across most of the region

• Scattered extreme fire hazard zones remain in:

  • Red Lake Sector

  • Far North of the Sioux Lookout Sector

For real-time fire hazard conditions across the region, consult Ontario’s Interactive Fire Hazard Map.

Stay FireSmart – Protect What Matters Most

Whether you live in a remote First Nation, a northern town, or own property near forested areas, FireSmart principles can help protect your home, cottage, or business. By removing flammable materials from around buildings, clearing brush, and maintaining defensible space, you can reduce the chance of wildland fire reaching your doorstep.

➡ Get practical tips and resources: Ontario.ca/FireSmart

NO DRONE ZONE: Drones Near Wildfires Are Illegal

AFFES is reminding the public that flying drones near wildfires is strictly prohibited. Not only is it illegal, but drones pose a serious safety risk to aerial firefighting crews and pilots.

📢 Be responsible. Stay clear. Keep the skies safe.

Report a Wildland Fire

📍 North of the French and Mattawa Rivers: Call 310-FIRE (3473)
📍 South of the French or Mattawa Rivers: Call 9-1-1

To follow real-time updates and prevention tips in English and French, follow AFFES on:

• Facebook / Instagram / X: @ONforestfires / @ONfeudeforet

More wildfire updates available at: Ontario.ca/fireupdates