NetNewsLedger 2026 Wildfire Update: Five New Fires Confirmed in Northwest Region

THUNDER BAY — Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services confirmed five new wildland fires in the Northwest Region by early evening on Monday, June 1, with several burning near rail corridors west of Armstrong and another northeast of Poplar Hill First Nation. The update is important for Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario because wildfire activity can affect transportation routes, remote communities, forestry operations, mining exploration, tourism travel and regional air quality.

Eleven Active Fires Burning Across the Northwest Region

As of 5:33 p.m. CDT on June 1, there were 11 active fires in the Northwest Region. Of those, six were listed as not under control, three were under control and two were being observed. Two fires were called out over the previous 24 hours.

A fire listed as “not under control” means it is still spreading or has not yet been contained. A fire listed as “under control” means suppression action has succeeded in stopping growth under current conditions. Fires being observed are monitored but may not require immediate suppression, depending on location, values at risk and fire behaviour.

New Fires Confirmed June 1

Thunder Bay 20 — THU020

Thunder Bay 20 is located near a rail corridor approximately 53 kilometres west of Armstrong. The fire is not under control and is listed at 10 hectares.

Thunder Bay 19 — THU019
Thunder Bay 19 is also located near a rail corridor, approximately 33 kilometres west of Armstrong. The fire is not under control and is listed at one hectare.

Thunder Bay 18 — THU018Thunder Bay 18 is located adjacent to the Matawin River, approximately 2.7 kilometres east of Sistonen’s Corner. The fire is not under control and is listed at 0.1 hectares.

Red Lake 6 — RED006
Red Lake 6 is located approximately 14 kilometres northeast of Poplar Hill First Nation. The fire is not under control and is listed at 40 hectares.

Dryden 15 — DRY015
Dryden 15 was located near Amesdale Lake, approximately 28 kilometres north of Dryden. The 0.1-hectare fire has been called out.

Fire Hazard High to Extreme in Parts of the Region

The regional wildland fire hazard map for June 1 shows broad areas of high hazard across Northwestern Ontario, with red areas indicating extreme hazard. Conditions can change through the day as wind, temperature, humidity and rainfall shift across the region.

Ontario’s interactive fire map uses data from more than 130 weather stations across the province’s Fire Region. Blank areas on the map indicate there is currently no data for that Ministry of Natural Resources district.

For residents in Thunder Bay, Kenora, Dryden, Red Lake, Armstrong and surrounding communities, a high or extreme rating means outdoor burning can become dangerous quickly. Small fires, sparks from machinery, campfires or burning yard waste can spread faster when forest fuels are dry.

Local Implications for Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario

The two new fires west of Armstrong are especially important because they are near a rail corridor. Rail lines through Northwestern Ontario are part of the national freight network, carrying goods, fuel, forest products and other materials between Eastern and Western Canada. Fires near rail infrastructure can trigger monitoring, slowdowns or emergency access challenges depending on fire behaviour and smoke conditions.

The Red Lake 6 fire, northeast of Poplar Hill First Nation, is another concern because remote First Nations can face additional wildfire risks. Many northern communities rely on air access, seasonal roads or limited transportation links. Smoke, wind shifts and aircraft availability can affect emergency planning, medical travel and evacuation readiness.

Outdoor Fire Rules Remain in Effect

Ontario’s legislated fire season runs from April 1 to Oct. 31. Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services is reminding the public that outdoor fire rules are in effect across the province.

Residents are encouraged to avoid burning yard waste or woody debris where possible and to use alternatives such as composting or local landfill services. Where burning is allowed, fires must be ignited no sooner than two hours before sunset and extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise.

Anyone burning outdoors must have adequate tools and water at the site to control and fully extinguish the fire. Residents inside municipal boundaries must also check with their local fire department for burning restrictions, fire bans or permit requirements before burning.

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.

Residents can also follow provincial wildfire updates through Ontario’s official forest fire channels at @ONforestfires and @ONfeudeforet on social media, or visit Ontario.ca/FireUpdates for the current fire situation.

Historical Context

Wildfire has always been part of the boreal forest cycle in Northwestern Ontario, but recent fire seasons have shown how quickly conditions can affect communities, industry and transportation. Dry spring weather, lightning, wind and human-caused starts can create fast-moving fire situations before summer is fully underway.

For the Northwest, early reporting is critical. Fires near rail corridors, remote First Nations, hydro lines, mining camps, forestry roads or tourism areas can quickly become regional issues, even when they begin in isolated locations.