Wildfire update: Northwest Region reports eight active fires Sunday evening

THUNDER BAY — Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services is reporting eight active wildland fires in the Northwest Region as of 6:10 p.m. CDT on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

The update matters across Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario as crews continue suppression work near Ignace, Fort Frances, Mine Centre, Lac la Croix First Nation and the Thunder Bay district.

One new fire was confirmed Sunday near East Dog River, west of Highway 527.

One new fire confirmed in Thunder Bay district

Thunder Bay 10, listed as THU010, is located near East Dog River, about 11 kilometres west of Highway 527.

The fire is 0.1 hectares and is not under control.

Across the Northwest Region, there are currently eight active wildland fires. Of those, two are under control, four are being held and two are not under control, according to the provincial fire update.

Ontario’s forest fire page also lists current fires of note, including Fort Frances 4 and Fort Frances 5.

Dryden 11 remains not under control near Sandbar Lake

Dryden 11, listed as DRY011, is located north of Ignace on the east side of Sandbar Lake.
The fire remains at 150.3 hectares and is not under control.

Additional FireRanger crews from the Northeast Region have been assigned to the fire. Crews also received aerial support Sunday afternoon from CL-415 waterbombers.

For communities along Highway 17 and Highway 599, the fire remains a key regional concern because of its proximity to travel corridors, forest operations and remote access areas north of Ignace.

Fort Frances 4 now being held near Factor Lake

Fort Frances 4, listed as FOR004, is located south of Highway 11 near Factor Lake.
The fire is now being held at 10 hectares. FireRanger crews continue to make progress with suppression efforts.

An implementation order is in effect around Fort Frances 4 in the Dryden-Fort Frances-Atikokan District. The province says the order is intended to support public safety and effective fire suppression.

Fort Frances 5 being held near Little Turtle Lake

Fort Frances 5, listed as FOR005, is located near the southeast side of Little Turtle Lake, near Mine Centre.

The fire is being held at 14.9 hectares. FireRanger crews continue to make progress.
An implementation order is also in effect around Fort Frances 5 in the Dryden-Fort Frances-Atikokan District to support public safety and fire suppression operations.

Fort Frances 7 being held near Naicatchewenin First Nation

Fort Frances 7, listed as FOR007, is located near Naicatchewenin, also known as Northwest Bay First Nation.

The fire has been remapped to 9.3 hectares and is now being held.

FireRanger crews are continuing suppression work alongside the local fire team.

Fort Frances 8 being held near Lac la Croix First Nation

Fort Frances 8, listed as FOR008, is located west of the community in Lac la Croix First Nation, on the west side of the Namakan River.

The fire is 8.6 hectares and is now being held.

FireRanger crews continue to make progress with suppression efforts.

Long weekend reminder: spring grass fires can move quickly

With the Victoria Day long weekend underway, fire officials are reminding the public that spring is a high-risk period for grass fires.

Dry grass can ignite and spread quickly, especially during high winds. Residents, camp owners and travellers are urged to use caution with any outdoor fire and to avoid burning in areas with built-up dry grass or woody debris.

Ontario’s legislated fire season runs from April 1 to Oct. 31. Outdoor fires must be started no sooner than two hours before sunset and fully extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise. Anyone burning must have enough tools and water available to contain the fire.

Residents inside municipal boundaries should also check with their local fire department for burning restrictions, permits or local fire bans before burning.

Why this matters for Northwestern Ontario

Wildfire activity in the Northwest Region can quickly affect highways, First Nation communities, remote tourism operations, forestry activity, power corridors and emergency response capacity.

The current fires of note are spread across a broad area, from the Thunder Bay district to Ignace and the Fort Frances district. That means changing weather, wind direction and dry fuel conditions remain important factors for residents and travellers to monitor.

The province’s interactive fire map is updated throughout the day using data from more than 130 weather stations across Ontario’s fire region.

How to report a wildland fire

To report a wildland fire north of the French and Mattawa rivers, call 310-FIRE (3473).
To report a wildland fire south of the French or Mattawa rivers, call 911.

For current fire conditions, follow Ontario Forest Fires on Facebook, Instagram and X at @ONforestfires and @ONfeudeforet, or visit Ontario’s fire updates page.