Northwestern Ontario Wildfire Report – July 10 2025 (21:26 CDT)
Thunder Bay – WILDFIRE UPDATE: Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) recorded 13 new wildfires across the Northwest Fire Region on Thursday, July 10. While some ignitions remain small, others are quickly expanding in areas already under high-to-extreme fire hazard, adding pressure to crews stretched across 55 active incidents.
New Fires Confirmed July 10
| Fire | Location (approx.) | Size | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| RED083 | 7.8 km SE of Joyce Lake | 0.2 ha | Under control |
| RED084 | 10.7 km NE of Paishk Lake | 0.1 ha | Not under control |
| RED085-90 | Cluster E/NE of Nungesser Lake | 0.1–0.5 ha | Not under control |
| RED091 | 4.7 km E of Little Vermilion Lake | 0.1 ha | Not under control |
| RED092 | North shore of Wyman Lake | 3.0 ha | Not under control |
| SLK055 | NW side of Maria Lake (near Kingfisher Lake FN) | 12.5 ha | Not under control |
| NIP016 | 7.6 km N of Wishak Lake | 200 ha | Not under control |
| NIP017 | Peninsula in Nibinamik Lake (near Summer Beaver) | 100 ha | Not under control |
Regional Fire Status (55 Active Fires)
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Not Under Control: 18
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Being Held: 1
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Under Control: 7
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Being Observed: 29
Current Fire Hazard
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Low–Moderate: Along the southern corridor (Fort Frances, Dryden, Thunder Bay sectors) and far NW corner.
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High–Extreme: Dominates the remainder of the region, with extreme pockets concentrated in Sioux Lookout and Nipigon sectors.
Check local conditions via the Interactive Fire Hazard Map before travelling or burning outdoors.
🚨 Fires of Note
| Fire | Proximity & Latest Size | Key Updates |
|---|---|---|
| Red Lake 62 | South of Pikangikum FN – 26,404 ha | Access to Nungesser Road restricted. Crews, helicopters, engines & heavy equipment continue perimeter work. |
| Red Lake 65 / 67 / 79 Cluster | Reached SW end of MacDowell Lake | – RL65: 12,966 ha – RL67+79 (merged): 18,807 ha |
| Red Lake 40 | South of North Spirit Lake FN – 11,192 ha | Growth along northern flank monitored; structure protection kits in community on standby. |
| Red Lake 68 | West of Cat Lake FN – 15,088 ha | Eastern perimeter remains active; smoke may limit mapping updates. |
Note: Dense smoke continues to hinder accurate mapping. Size figures will be updated as visibility allows.
FireSmart Reminder
Homes, camps, and communities bordering boreal forest can take simple steps to reduce risk:
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Clear flammable debris from roofs & gutters.
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Thin and prune trees within 10 m of structures.
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Relocate fuel tanks & firewood at least 10 m away.
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Maintain a 1.5 m non-combustible zone of gravel or stone around buildings.
More tips at Ontario.ca/FireSmart.
No-Drone Zone
Flying drones near wildfires is illegal and dangerous. Unauthorized drones can ground firefighting aircraft and endanger lives. Keep all recreational UAVs well clear of fire zones.
📞 Report a Wildfire
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North of the French & Mattawa Rivers: 310-FIRE (no area code)
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South of those rivers: 9-1-1
Follow real-time updates on Facebook, Instagram, and X: @ONforestfires | @ONfeudeforet
More details: Ontario.ca/fireupdates
AFFES crews remain fully engaged across Northwestern Ontario. Further updates will be issued as conditions evolve.
