Fire Hazard Ranges from Moderate to Extreme Across the Region

THUNDER BAY – WILDFIRE UPDATE – August 5, 2025, 8:24 p.m. CDT — Aviation, Forest Fire & Emergency Services (AFFES) reports 12 new wildland fires confirmed across the Northwest Fire Region by early evening, bringing the active fire count to 61. While crews continue monitoring and containing hot spots, fire danger remains elevated across most areas due to widespread dry, windy, and warm conditions.

🔥 New Wildfires – Sustainable Growth Across the Region

Afternoon updates confirmed the following new fires:

• Red Lake 135 (RED135): 0.1 hectares, southeast of North Spirit Lake First Nation (between Hewitt & Makataiamik lakes), not under control.

• Red Lake 136 (RED136): 2 hectares, near Menaeko Lake (~42 km NE of Sandy Lake FN), being observed.

• Red Lake 137 (RED137): Substantial at 100 hectares, in Opasquia Provincial Park (~11 km NE of Tullibee Lake), being observed.

• Sioux Lookout 73 (SLK073): 2 hectares, ~8 km NE of Wachusk Lake (~31 km west of Kingfisher Lake), being observed.

• Sioux Lookout 74 (SLK074): 0.5 hectares, ~54 km north of Sioux Lookout near Milner Lake, not under control.

• SLK075, SLK076, SLK077: Remote wildfires SW of Big Trout Lake (~38 km), sized at 188, 688, and 900 hectares respectively, being observed.

• SLK078: 652 hectares, east of Makoop Lake (~40 km SE of Big Trout Lake), being observed.

• SLK079: 140 hectares near Little Red Sucker River (~33 km SW of Big Trout Lake), being observed.

• SLK080: 16 hectares near southern Big Trout Lake (~5.5 km east of Kakiwi River mouth), being observed.

• SLK081: 7 hectares northeast of Weagamow Lake near Courtis Lake (~23.5 km), being observed.

📊 Fire Overview – August 5 Update

Regional Fire Hazard Outlook

Wildfire risk across the region remains elevated, with fire hazard ranging from moderate to extreme:

• Eastern Region: Mostly moderate to high

• Southern Sectors: Pockets of low hazard

• Western & Far North: Predominantly high to extreme, especially in zones near Big Trout Lake, Kenora, and Dryden.

Updated hazard conditions are available via the province’s Interactive Fire Map.

Fires of Note & Management Transitions

Bak Lake Cluster (Red Lake 062, 40, 67, 72, 99):

Management of these major fires by the Type 1 Incident Management Team is ending. Starting tomorrow, the Red Lake Fire Management Headquarters will resume command. Due to low activity on RED040, RED062, RED067, and RED072, this is the final report for those fires. Monitoring for RED099 continues.

Red Lake 62 – Pikangikum First Nation

• Size: 33,739 hectares | Status: Not under control

• Crews report low fire activity and continued hot spot suppression along Nungesser Road.

• Crews: 5 Type-1 and 1 Type-2 from Pikangikum.

• A high-level infrared scan is scheduled for tonight to map residual heat zones.

Red Lake 40 – North Spirit Lake First Nation

• Remapped Size: 11,109 hectares | Status: Not under control

• Assigned crews supported by bucket helicopters focused on perimeter patrols.

• Notable increase in active fire behavior today due to warm, gusty conditions.

Red Lake 67 – McDowell Lake First Nation

• Remapped Size: 22,291 hectares | Status: Not under control

• Fire crews and helicopters targeting hotspots on the north flank.

• Fire behavior intensified again under today’s dry, windy weather.

Red Lake 72 / Red Lake 99 – East of Poplar Hill

• RED072: 6,393 hectares | Status: Being observed — update indicates active spot fire management.

• RED099: Largest fire in cluster at 14,599 hectares | Status: Active behavior continuing with increased eastern growth toward McInnes and Cleveland Lakes.

• Bucketing helicopters deployed, and a high-level infrared scan is planned tonight for targeting next steps.

Important Safety Notice: No Drone Zones

The public is urged to avoid flying drones near active fires. Unauthorized drones pose serious risks to air and ground crews, disrupting operations and endangering lives.

Keep drones grounded. Stay clear of wildfire zones.

How to Report Wildfires

• North of French & Mattawa Rivers: Call 310‑FIRE (3473)

• South of these rivers: Dial 9-1-1

Stay informed via social media: @ONforestfires and @ONfeudeforet on Facebook, Instagram, and X. For ongoing updates, visit Ontario.ca/fireupdates.