THUNDER BAY – WILDFIRE REPORTS 2025 — Hot weather raises the risk of wildfires and recent days have seen the temperatures rise.
Wildland fire activity across Northwestern Ontario continues to build, with three new fires confirmed in the region by early evening on July 30, according to the latest update from Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES).
New Fires – July 30
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Sioux Lookout 65: Burning in a remote location about 126 km north of Sachigo Lake, this 438-hectare fire is being observed.
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Sioux Lookout 64: Located approximately 60 km southeast of North Spirit Lake First Nation, this fire is measured at 0.5 hectares and is also under observation.
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Kenora 53: Situated on Horseshoe Island in southern Lake of the Woods near Nestor Falls, this small 0.1-hectare fire has already been declared out.
Active Fire Summary
As of 6:38 p.m. CDT on July 30, there are 42 active fires in the Northwest Region:
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🔥 6 not under control
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🔥 7 under control
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🔥 29 being observed
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🔥 3 fires called out in the past 24 hours
Fire Hazard Rising
A drying trend is pushing fire hazard conditions higher, especially in western parts of the region.
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High hazard ratings are now reported across the Kenora and Red Lake fire management zones.
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Moderate to high hazards are present in the Fort Frances, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay, and Nipigon zones.
To check your local hazard level, visit the Interactive Fire Map.
Fires of Note
Red Lake 62 – Pikangikum First Nation
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Size: 33,739 hectares
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Status: Not under control
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Crews are targeting heat using infrared scans, and engines are working hot spots along Nungesser Road.
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23 Type-1 and 4 Type-2 Pikangikum crews are on the ground.
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16 helicopters are assigned to the broader Bak Lake Cluster.
Red Lake 40 – Near North Spirit Lake First Nation
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Size: 8,789 hectares
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Status: Not under control
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High-level infrared scans are guiding crews to hidden hot spots.
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Crews are focusing efforts on the northeast flank, working 100–200 feet inside the perimeter.
Red Lake 67 – McDowell Lake First Nation
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Size: 22,347 hectares
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Status: Not under control
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Aerial infrared scans completed overnight.
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Equipment is being demobilized in stable areas.
Red Lake 72 & Red Lake 99 – East of Poplar Hill
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Red Lake 72: 6,173 hectares
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Red Lake 99: 6,231 hectares
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Status: Both fires remain not under control
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Monitoring continues with support from overnight infrared scans to detect lingering heat.
No Drone Zone
AFFES reminds the public: Flying drones near forest fires is illegal and endangers lives. Drones can ground aircraft, delay suppression efforts, and put firefighters at risk.
Be safe. Stay clear. Drones and wildfires don’t mix.
How to Report a Wildfire
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North of the French and Mattawa Rivers: Call 310-FIRE (3473)
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South of the French or Mattawa Rivers: Call 9-1-1
For the latest wildfire updates, follow @ONforestfires and @ONfeudeforet on Facebook, Instagram, and X, or visit Ontario.ca/fireupdates.
