Northwest Fire Region Update: Four New Fires Confirmed, Two Not Under Control

Friday Evening situation report from Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services — Oct. 3, 2025, 18:00 CDT

Thunder Bay – Wildfire Update – There are Four new fires in NW Region; 12 active total. Hazard mostly moderate; Fort Frances area extreme.

New Fires (as of Oct. 3, 18:00 CDT)

• Fort Frances 24 (FOR024) — Small island, east side of Rowan Lake. Called out at 0.1 ha.

• Fort Frances 25 (FOR025) — East side of Alonghill Lake, ~1.8 km north of Cedar Narrows Rd. Called out at 0.1 ha.

• Kenora 79 (KEN079) — Between Berry Lake and Otakus Lake, ~8.5 km east of Hwy 71. 0.9 ha, Not Under Control.

• Kenora 80 (KEN080) — Small island in Shoal Lake, ~2.5 km south of Silver Fox Island. 0.1 ha, Not Under Control.

Current Wildfire Situation

• Active fires in the Northwest Region: 12

  • Not Under Control: 2

  • Being Held: 1

  • Under Control: 3

  • Being Observed: 6

Fire Hazard: Predominantly moderate across the region, with scattered low and high pockets. One area of extreme hazard is reported around the town of Fort Frances.

For the latest conditions in your community, check Ontario’s Interactive Fire Map.

FireSmart: Small Steps, Big Impact

Wildland fires can threaten neighbourhoods near forested areas. FireSmart offers practical actions to reduce risk around homes, cottages, and communities—everything from clearing combustible debris to smart landscaping.

• Learn more and get checklists: Ontario.ca/firesmart

Outdoor Burning: Follow Ontario’s Regulations

If you must burn yard waste or woody debris (consider composting or local landfill first):

• Timing: Ignite no sooner than 2 hours before sunset; extinguish no later than 2 hours after sunrise.

• Readiness: Keep adequate tools and water on site.

• Know the rules: Review Ontario’s full Outdoor Burning Regulations before you burn.

Report a Wildland Fire

• North of the French & Mattawa Rivers: 310-FIRE (no area code)

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

NetNewsLedger will continue to monitor Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services updates and provide new information as conditions change.