Northwest Wildfire Update: Eight Fires Remain Active as Fire Hazard Stays Low

No new wildland fires confirmed; the next Northwest Fire Region update is scheduled for October 19

THUNDER BAY — October 15, 2026 — Eight wildland fires remain active in Ontario’s Northwest Fire Region, with no new fires confirmed since the previous update, according to Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services.

In its report issued at 5:30 p.m. CDT on Thursday, October 15, AFFES said four fires were under control and four were being observed. Two additional fires had been declared out since the previous report.

Low fire hazard across Northwestern Ontario

The regional update described the wildland fire hazard as low across the Northwest Region, based on conditions shown at 5:25 p.m. CDT.

Residents heading into the bush, travelling to camps or planning outdoor work should check Ontario’s interactive fire map and fire updates for current conditions.

The map draws on information from more than 130 weather stations across Ontario’s Fire Region and changes throughout the day as weather information is updated.

Outdoor burning rules remain in effect

Ontario’s legislated fire season continues until October 31. AFFES reminds residents that outdoor burning rules remain in effect even as the season winds down.

For fall yard cleanup, the agency encourages alternatives to burning, including composting or taking woody debris to an appropriate local disposal site.

Residents who must burn yard waste or woody debris should follow all applicable provincial rules, including:

• Starting the fire no earlier than two hours before sunset.
• Extinguishing it no later than two hours after sunrise the following day.
• Keeping adequate tools and water at the site to contain the fire.
• Tending the fire and ensuring it is fully extinguished before leaving.

Residents within municipal boundaries must also check with their local fire department about restrictions and permit requirements before burning. A low fire-danger rating does not replace those requirements.

More information is available through Ontario’s outdoor fire rules and permits guidance.

How to report a wildland fire

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

For a wildland fire south of the French or Mattawa rivers, call 911.

AFFES says its next scheduled Northwest Fire Region update will be issued on Monday, October 19, 2026.

Source: User-supplied AFFES Northwest Fire Region report, October 15, 2026, 17:30 CDT.