Four New Starts Near Berens and Pringle Lakes; 51 Fires Still Active as High Hazard Persists in Red Lake Sector
THUNDER BAY – 2025 WILDFIRE REPORT: Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) added four new fires to the Northwest ledger on Saturday, bringing the active count to 51. Overnight rain has eased danger in many districts, yet the central and western Red Lake sector remains locked in high hazard with several large blazes still growing.
New Fires Confirmed – July 12
| Fire | Location | Size | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| RED093 | 2.5 km N of Pipestone Bay | 0.1 ha | Called Out |
| RED094 | 12 km SE of S. Arm Berens Lake | 80 ha | Not under control |
| RED095 | 13 km NW of Pringle Lake | 10 ha | Not under control |
| RED096 | North shore of Wyman Lake | 0.1 ha | Not under control |
Regional Fire Snapshot – 51 Active Fires
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Not under control | 15 |
| Being held | 1 |
| Under control | 7 |
| Being observed | 28 |
| Called out (past 24 hrs) | 5 |
Fire Hazard Update
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Low–Moderate: Most of Fort Frances, Dryden, Thunder Bay sectors after rainfall.
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High: Central & western Red Lake sector; pockets in Nipigon remain elevated.
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Interactive Map: Check local conditions at Ontario.ca/forestfires.
Fires of Note
| Fire | Latest Size | Community Impact & Operations |
|---|---|---|
| Red Lake 62 – Pikangikum FN | 31,367 ha | Access Ban in Effect (EAO 2025-011). 12 crews, heavy equipment, engines & aircraft on scene; two extra heavy helicopters added. Poor visibility limits air drops. |
| Red Lake 40 – North Spirit Lake FN | 11,192 ha | Sprinklers shield community structures. Crews plan northern-perimeter attack when smoke clears. |
| Red Lake 67 – McDowell Lake FN | 32,364 ha (merged 65/67/79) | Structural protection complete. Crews scouting eastern peninsula for direct action. |
| Red Lake 68 – Cat Lake FN | 15,089 ha | Eastern edge monitored; protection kits staged west of Cat Lake. |
| Sioux Lookout 54 – KI/Big Trout Lake FN | 167 ha | Hose lines and heli-bucketing continue on priority flanks. |
Note: Smoke continues to impede mapping; sizes will be refined as visibility allows.
Travel & Access Restrictions – Red Lake 62
A Far North Emergency Area Order (EAO 2025-011) now prohibits travel on Nungesser Road beyond Coli Road and restricts air/land access to more than 40 lakes and trails (full map on MNR site). Only permit holders may enter. The order took effect 00:01 CDT, July 12 and remains until revoked.
FireSmart: Protect What Matters
Small steps at home and cottage:
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Clear needles from roofs & eaves.
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Move propane tanks & firewood 10 m away.
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Prune branches 2 m up from ground.
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Maintain a gravel / stone buffer next to buildings.
More tips: Ontario.ca/FireSmart
No-Drone Zone
Drones near wildfires endanger water-bombers and heli-crews. Flying a drone in fire airspace is illegal. Keep UAVs grounded far from smoke columns.
Report Wildfires
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North of French & Mattawa Rivers: 310-FIRE (3473)
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South of those rivers: 9-1-1
Follow live updates: @ONforestfires / @ONfeudeforet
Full situation reports: Ontario.ca/fireupdates
AFFES will issue further bulletins as suppression efforts advance and weather changes. Residents and visitors are urged to respect travel bans, practise extreme caution, and keep Northwestern Ontario wildfire-ready.
