THUNDER BAY – WILDFIRE REPORT – JULY 31, 2025 – Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) is reporting continued wildfire activity across Northwestern Ontario, with two new fires confirmed as of the evening of July 31, 2025. Firefighting efforts remain intense, particularly around the communities of Pikangikum, North Spirit Lake, and Poplar Hill, where multiple large fires continue to burn out of control.
Newly Confirmed Fires – July 31, 2025
AFFES confirmed two new wildland fires on July 31:
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Red Lake 125
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Location: Near Ben Lake, approximately 76 kilometres east of Red Lake
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Size: 0.2 hectares
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Status: Not under control, active suppression efforts underway.
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Red Lake 124
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Location: Near Cairns Lake, approximately 30 kilometres southwest of Pikangikum
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Size: 1.5 hectares
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Status: Not under control, firefighting crews actively responding.
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Additionally, an evening update on July 30 confirmed another fire not previously reported:
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Red Lake 123
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Location: Near Crooked Mouth River, roughly 28 kilometres north-northwest of Poplar Hill First Nation
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Size: Approximately 3 hectares
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Status: Not under control, with firefighting resources engaged.
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Current Fire Situation Across the Northwest Region
As of the latest update at 20:46 CDT, there are currently 42 active wildfires across the Northwest Region. Their status breakdown includes:
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9 fires remain not under control and require extensive firefighting efforts.
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6 fires have been brought under control.
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27 fires are currently being observed, with ongoing monitoring and response preparations.
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One fire has been successfully called out in the last 24 hours.
Wildland Fire Hazard Conditions Rising
Wildfire hazard conditions remain concerning across Northwestern Ontario, primarily ranging from moderate to high, but with significant areas now experiencing extreme hazard. Specifically:
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Kenora Fire Management Area: High to extreme fire hazard conditions exist, increasing the risk of new fire ignitions and rapid fire spread.
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Western Red Lake Fire Management Area: Also facing areas of extreme hazard, prompting heightened vigilance and preparedness among fire crews.
Residents and travelers in these areas are strongly advised to remain cautious and to stay informed about evolving fire conditions. Hazard conditions can be monitored through the province’s Interactive Fire Map.
Fires of Note: Active Suppression Efforts and Community Impacts
Several significant wildfires continue to demand extensive resources and suppression activities:
Red Lake 62 – Pikangikum First Nation
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Size: 33,739 hectares (not under control)
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Actions Taken:
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Overnight low-level fixed-wing infrared scanning identified hotspots.
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Fire crews continue patrolling up to 300 feet inward from the perimeter, targeting hot spots.
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Helicopters are being used for sling-loading firefighting equipment away from active lines.
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Red Lake 40 – North Spirit Lake First Nation
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Size: 8,789 hectares (not under control)
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Actions Taken:
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Crews are concentrating suppression efforts on the fire’s northeast flank, advancing 100–200 feet inward from the perimeter.
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Deliberate ignition operations (backburning) have been conducted to eliminate fuel ahead of the advancing fire front, reducing the risk of uncontrolled spread and strengthening natural firebreaks.
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Updated perimeter mapping is underway to accurately reflect the new size after ignition operations.
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Red Lake 67 – McDowell Lake First Nation
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Size: 22,347 hectares (not under control)
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Current Status:
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Fire activity remains relatively low; crews continue monitoring and patrolling hot spots.
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Red Lake 72 and Red Lake 99 – East of Poplar Hill
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Red Lake 72: 6,173 hectares (not under control)
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Red Lake 99: 6,231 hectares (not under control)
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Recent Developments:
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Fire crews recently responded to and extinguished a small spot fire (jump fire) near Grist Lake associated with Red Lake 99.
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Both fires are under constant monitoring, with teams ready to respond to any changes or flare-ups.
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Reminder: Drone Usage is Dangerous and Illegal Near Forest Fires
AFFES continues to emphasize public safety by reminding everyone to avoid flying drones near wildfire sites. Unauthorized drone use poses severe safety risks to firefighting aircraft and ground crews, causing delays and potentially increasing the risk of fires becoming unmanageable.
“Flying drones around forest fires is both dangerous and illegal,” AFFES advises. “Be safe, stay clear of forest fires.”
How to Report a Wildland Fire
Community members are urged to report wildfires immediately:
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North of the French and Mattawa rivers: Call 310-FIRE (3473)
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South of these rivers: Dial 9-1-1
For ongoing wildfire updates, safety tips, and prevention advice, follow official Ontario wildfire channels on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter): @ONforestfires and @ONfeudeforet. For detailed fire status and safety information, visit ontario.ca/fireupdates.
