Northwest Fire Region Reports Two New Wildland Fires, 10 Active Across Region

THUNDER BAY – Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services confirmed two new wildland fires in the Northwest Region by the evening of June 24, 2026, including one near Nipigon and another near Deer Lake First Nation.

Fire activity continues to affect remote communities, transportation corridors, aviation planning and outdoor burning decisions.

Nipigon 10 and Red Lake 7 confirmed

As of the 6:02 p.m. CDT update, two new wildland fires had been confirmed in the Northwest Region.

Nipigon 10, also listed as NIP010, is located approximately 4.3 kilometres southeast of the intersection of Rail Line Road and Robertson Road. The fire is listed at 0.2 hectares and is not under control.

Red Lake 7, also listed as RED007, is located near Deer Lake First Nation. The fire is listed at 0.3 hectares and is also not under control.

Although both fires are small, their status will be watched closely. In Northwestern Ontario, even small starts can become more difficult to manage if dry conditions, shifting winds or remote access complicate suppression efforts.

Ten active fires burning in the Northwest Region

At the time of the update, there were 10 active wildland fires across the Northwest Region.
Of those fires, two were not under control, one was being held, one was under control and six were being observed.

Fires being observed are typically monitored when they are not posing an immediate threat or when they are burning in areas where natural fire activity may play an ecological role. Fire status can change as weather, fuel conditions and suppression priorities shift.

NOTAM remains in effect for Dryden 13

A NOTAM remains in effect in the area of Dryden 13.

That aviation notice is in addition to standard airspace restrictions under Section 601.15 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations. Those rules restrict airspace around all active forest fires to forest fire suppression aircraft only, specifically within five nautical miles and up to 3,000 feet above ground level.

Pilots are reminded to check Nav Canada’s Collaborative Flight Planning Services under the “Weather and NOTAM” tab when planning flights near any wildfire area.

Unauthorized aircraft, including drones, can force waterbombers and helicopters to stop operations, putting crews and communities at greater risk.

Fire hazard varies across Northwestern Ontario

Ontario’s interactive fire map provides the current forest fire danger rating for communities and travel routes across the province’s fire region.

The map uses data from more than 130 weather stations across Ontario’s fire region and is updated throughout the day to reflect changing weather conditions.

The map displays fire hazard levels by colour: blue for low, green for moderate, yellow for high and red for extreme.

Residents, campers, cottagers and industry operators across Thunder Bay, Nipigon, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, Dryden, Kenora and the Far North should check the current fire danger rating before burning, travelling into the bush or operating equipment in forested areas.

Outdoor fire rules remain in effect

Ontario’s legislated fire season runs from April 1 to Oct. 31.

Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services reminds the public that outdoor fire rules are in effect throughout the season. Residents are encouraged to use alternatives to burning yard waste and woody debris, such as composting or taking material to a local landfill where available.

Anyone who must burn should use caution and follow Ontario’s Wildland Fire Management regulation.

Fires may be ignited no sooner than two hours before sunset and must be extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise. People burning outdoors must have adequate tools and water on site to contain the fire.

Residents within municipal boundaries must also check with their local fire department for burn bans, permits or other restrictions before lighting any fire.

How to report a wildland fire

To report a wildland fire north of the French and Mattawa rivers, call 310-FIRE, or 310-3473.
To report a wildland fire south of the French or Mattawa rivers, call 9-1-1.