Northwest Region Sees Three New Fires; Red Lake 99 Remains Out of Control at 30,602 Hectares

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Wildfire Update

Wildfire Report – Northwest Fire Region

Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services – August 15, 2025 – 17:25 CDT

New Fires

THUNDER BAY – Wildfire Update – By early evening on August 15, three new wildfires were confirmed in the Northwest Region:

  • Thunder Bay 25 – Located on a small island in Lac Des Mille Lacs, about 19 km southeast of Upsala. The fire is not under control and measures 0.1 hectares.

  • Kenora 62 – Burning near the shoreline of south Lake of the Woods, close to the U.S. International Border, approximately 61 km west of Sioux Narrows. The fire is not under control at 0.5 hectares.

  • Kenora 61 – Located near the southern shore of Pickerel Lake, about 28 km west of Kenora. This fire has been called out at 0.1 hectares.


Active Fires in the Region

As of this report, there are 52 active wildfires across the Northwest Region:

  • 4 not under control

  • 5 under control

  • 43 being observed

  • 1 fire called out in the past 24 hours


Fire Hazard Conditions

  • High hazard – Kenora and Fort Frances fire management areas

  • Moderate to high – Dryden and Thunder Bay areas

  • Low to moderate – Nipigon, Sioux Lookout, and Red Lake areas

For detailed updates, view Ontario’s Interactive Fire Map.


Fire of Note – Red Lake 99 (Northeast of Poplar Hill First Nation)

  • Size: 30,602 hectares

  • Status: Not under control

  • Current conditions: Low fire behaviour is aiding progress, with three crews continuing firefighting priorities in the area.


Public Safety Reminder – No Drone Zone

Flying drones near forest fires is dangerous and illegal. Drones can interfere with aircraft used in suppression efforts and put the lives of pilots and firefighters at risk. Stay clear of active fire zones.


Reporting Wildland Fires

  • North of the French and Mattawa Rivers: Call 310-FIRE

  • South of the French or Mattawa Rivers: Call 9-1-1

For prevention tips and current updates, follow @ONforestfires and @ONfeudeforet on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

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