Snapshot — Sept. 27, 2025 (Report time 17:24 CDT)
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Two new fires confirmed by early evening.
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Active fires: 9 (1 not under control, 3 under control, 5 being observed).
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Fires called out (past 24 hrs): 3.
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Hazard: Predominantly High to Extreme across most of the Northwest Region; Low–Moderate mainly in the Nipigon sector.
Highway Alert: Thunder Bay 29 Near Upsala
Thunder Bay 29 (THU 029) is burning on the north side of the Trans-Canada (Hwy 17), approximately 10 km west of Upsala. Size is estimated at 0.5 hectares and the fire is Not Under Control. A Thunder Bay FireRanger crew has been dispatched.
What drivers should know
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Expect smoke and reduced visibility along Hwy 17 west of Upsala, particularly with shifting winds near dusk.
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Watch for first responders, water tenders, and aircraft activity; slow down for emergency traffic.
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If smoke is heavy, close windows/vents and use recirculate; leave extra stopping distance.
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Trip planners: consider checking road and incident updates before travel and carry extra water/fuel if detouring is required.
Kenora 75 Called Out
Kenora 75 (KEN 075) at Grassy Narrows First Nation was 0.1 ha and has been called out.
Current Hazard: High–Extreme Across Much of the Northwest
The wildland fire hazard is high to extreme through Kenora, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, Dryden, Fort Frances, and Thunder Bay fire management areas. Nipigon features mainly low to moderate conditions.
Aviation & Ground Response
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Initial attack: FireRanger crews are actioning new starts with support from aviation assets as conditions allow.
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Public cooperation: Keep clear of helipads, water sources, and staging areas; do not fly recreational dronesnear wildfire operations—unauthorized flights ground aircraft.
Be FireSmart Around the Home or Camp
Wildland fires pose greater risk in wildland–urban interface areas. The FireSmart program offers practical, do-it-today actions:
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Clean roofs/gutters of needles and leaves; keep 1.5 m around structures free of flammable material.
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Stack firewood and store propane away from buildings.
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Use non-combustible landscaping close to structures and keep grass trimmed.
Learn more at Ontario.ca/firesmart.
Outdoor Burning: Know the Rules
If you must burn yard debris:
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Burn no sooner than 2 hours before sunset and extinguish no later than 2 hours after sunrise.
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Keep tools and water on hand to control the fire.
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Consider safer alternatives like composting or landfill disposal.
Review the full Outdoor Burning Regulations before lighting any fire.
Report a Wildland Fire
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North of the French & Mattawa Rivers: 310-FIRE.
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South of those rivers: 9-1-1.
Follow @ONforestfires / @ONfeudeforet on Facebook, Instagram, and X for prevention tips and current updates. For regional status, visit ontario.ca/fireupdates.
What This Means for Thunder Bay & Northwestern Ontario
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Upsala corridor: Expect intermittent smoke and responder movement near Hwy 17; plan extra time if travelling between Thunder Bay and Dryden.
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With the hazard high–extreme, a single spark can start a fast-moving fire. Recheck campfires and fully extinguishbefore leaving.
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Communities should review local evacuation readiness and ensure Go-Bags and communication plans are up to date during this elevated risk period.
Stay with NetNewsLedger for continuing updates on Northwest fire conditions and any changes affecting travel along the Trans-Canada.
