New Lightning-Caused Fires and Persistent High Hazard Conditions in the Far North Raise Ongoing Concerns
THUNDER BAY – Wildfire Reports – As of 6:40 p.m. CDT on July 6, Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) reported four new wildland fires in Northwestern Ontario. These recent blazes—largely ignited by lightning—emphasize the elevated wildfire threat in the Red Lake and Sioux Lookout districts, where rainfall has been sparse and fire hazards remain high to extreme.
New Fire Confirmations – July 6
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Red Lake 79 (RED079):
Located near the Throat River, about 71 km west/northwest of Cat Lake First Nation. The 0.1-hectare fire is not under control. -
Sioux Lookout 49 (SLK049):
Burning on a peninsula of North Caribou Lake, about 37 km east of Weagamow Lake First Nation. At 0.2 hectares, this fire remains not under control. -
Sioux Lookout 48 (SLK048):
Near Misiwaweywa Lake, approximately 35 km south of Bearskin Lake First Nation. Covering 1 hectare, this fire is not under control. -
Red Lake 78 (RED078):
Situated south of Musclow Lake within Woodland Caribou Provincial Park, around 85 km northwest of Red Lake. The 0.4-hectare fire is currently being observed.
Fires Reported on July 5
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Thunder Bay 22 (THU022):
On an island in Wabakimi Lake, about 63 km northwest of Armstrong. The 2-hectare fire is being observed. -
Thunder Bay 21 (THU021):
Located east of Caribou Lake, about 17 km north of Armstrong. This 0.2-hectare fire has been declared out.
Current Fire Activity Snapshot – July 6
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Active Fires: 45
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Not Under Control: 12
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Being Held: 1
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Under Control: 7
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Being Observed: 25
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Fires Called Out Today: 4
Fire Hazard Levels – Elevated in the Far North
The fire hazard across Kenora, Dryden, Fort Frances, and Thunder Bay remains moderate to low. However, Red Lake and much of the far north continue to face high to extreme fire hazard conditions, particularly in regions recently impacted by lightning.
For detailed, real-time fire hazard conditions, visit the Interactive Fire Map.
FIRE OF NOTE: Red Lake 12 Now ‘Being Held’
A significant development in the province’s wildfire efforts—Red Lake 12, Ontario’s largest wildfire of the season at 195,670 hectares, has now been declared “being held.” This designation means fire crews have achieved enough containment to prevent further spread under current conditions.
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Location: South and east of Sandy Lake and Deer Lake
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Fire Behaviour: Low
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Crew Deployment: 18 ground crews and 7 helicopters
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Activity: Crews are mopping up hot spots and demobilizing gear in stabilized areas.
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Logistics: Firefighting equipment is being shipped out of staging areas at Sandy Lake and Deer Lake.
Fireworks Safety Reminder
With summer celebrations ongoing, residents are reminded to practice fire safety with fireworks. Hot debris can easily ignite dry brush and spark wildfires. Individuals may be held liable for the full cost of fire suppression.
Tip: Attend community fireworks displays rather than setting off personal fireworks in or near forested areas.
Drone Usage Near Wildfires is Prohibited
Flying drones near wildfires is illegal and dangerous. It endangers aerial firefighting operations and could result in serious legal consequences.
Stay safe—stay clear.
Report a Wildland Fire
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North of the French and Mattawa Rivers: Call 310-FIRE
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South of those rivers: Call 9-1-1
Stay informed on wildfire updates via @ONforestfires and @ONfeudeforet on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter).
