Region Overview & New Fires
Thunder Bay – Wildfire Update – As of the evening of July 21, fire crews confirmed two new wildland fires in the Northwest Fire Region:
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Sioux Lookout 59 (SLK059): A 0.8 ha blaze situated roughly 3 km east of Gull Lake and 4.1 km south of Fawcett Lake. Fire behaviour remains active and not under control.
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Sioux Lookout 60 (SLK060): A remote, 32 ha fire located about 36 km southeast of Makoop Lake and 22.4 km west of the Asheweig River. This fire is currently being observed, with no control lines yet established.
Active Fires Summary
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Total active fires: 48
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Not under control: 10
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Being held: 2
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Under control: 9
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Being observed: 27
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Fire Hazard Conditions
Wildland fire hazard across the region is predominantly moderate to high, with a corridor of low to moderate risk along the Ontario–Manitoba border—where an incoming weather system is bringing higher humidity and rain. Pockets of extreme hazard persist near Slate Falls, MacDowell Lake, and in the far northern reaches of the Sioux Lookout sector.
Interactive Fire Map: Check hazard levels in your area → ontario.ca/fire-hazard
Fires of Note
Red Lake 62 – Pikangikum First Nation
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Size: 31,367 ha | Status: Not under control
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Weather Aid:
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Nungesser Road (65 km mark): 8 mm rain
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Bak Lake station: 6 mm rain
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Impact: Rain and rising humidity have temporarily suppressed fire intensity, allowing crews to advance hose lines across previously active flanks.
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Response:
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25 FireRanger crews rotating shifts
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16 aircraft (heavy helicopters & waterbombers) targeting priority hotspots
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Heavy equipment establishing fire guard up to 100 ft inside the perimeter
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Red Lake 40 – North Spirit Lake First Nation
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Size: 8,789 ha | Status: Not under control
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Weather Aid: 2 mm rain recorded this afternoon
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Response:
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5 FireRanger crews with hose lines
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Helicopter bucket support extinguishing hotspots
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Heli-pad construction underway for efficient crew and equipment movement
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Red Lake 67 – McDowell Lake First Nation
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Size: 22,347 ha | Status: Not under control
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Weather Aid: 0.8 mm rain this afternoon
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Response:
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Continuous patrols along eastern perimeter near McDowell Lake First Nation
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Structural sprinklers maintained on community infrastructure
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Red Lake 72 & Red Lake 99 – East of Poplar Hill
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Red Lake 72: 4,941 ha | Status: Not under control
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Red Lake 99: 4,783 ha | Status: Not under control; exhibiting active fire growth
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Weather Aid: Poplar Hill First Nation station recorded 7.4 mm rain
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Response: Crews monitoring fire edges and extinguishing spot fires, with helicopter reconnaissance to guide ground operations
Weather & Resource Coordination
The recent rain and cooler, more humid conditions are a welcome relief—but only a short-term reprieve. Fire behaviour may intensify again as the weather system moves east. Across the Northwest Region, over 150 frontline personnel, dozens of heavy-equipment units, and nearly 50 aircraft remain committed to containment and community protection.
Safety Reminders & Reporting
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No Drone Zone: Operating drones near wildfires endangers aviation and ground crews; it is both unsafe and illegal.
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To Report a Wildland Fire:
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North of French & Mattawa Rivers: Dial 310-FIRE (310-3473)
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South of French or Mattawa Rivers: Call 9-1-1
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Stay Informed: For prevention tips, live updates and interactive maps, visit Ontario.ca/fireupdates or follow @ONforestfires / @ONfeudeforet on Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter).
Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial. By reporting new ignitions promptly and respecting closure zones, you help protect lives, property and the environment across Northwestern Ontario.
