Thunder Bay – Wildfire Update – There are a total of 47 active wildfires in Northwestern Ontario. The situation is improving overall.
New Fires Confirmed (July 20)
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Kenora 49 (KEN049): 0.1 ha on Scout Lake’s south shore (west of Lac Seul) – not under control
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Red Lake 118 (RED118): 2 ha, ~7 km south of Stout Lake – not under control
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Red Lake 119 (RED119): 1 ha on Sheshepaeseewee Sahkaheekahn Lake’s north shore – not under control
Active Wildland Fires
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Total: 47
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Not under control: 12
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Being held: 2
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Under control: 7
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Being observed: 26
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Fire Hazard Overview
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Western half: High hazard, with pockets of extreme risk north of Red Lake
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Eastern half: Low to high hazard levels
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Interactive Map: View local conditions → Wildland Fire Interactive Map
Fires of Note
Red Lake 62 – Pikangikum First Nation
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Size: 31 367 ha | Status: Not under control
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Recent Activity: Eastern flank fire growth; perimeter expanded.
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Suppression Efforts:
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21 FireRanger crews on rotation
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15 aircraft (heavy helicopters) bucket-dropping on northern perimeter
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Heavy equipment working up to 100 ft inside the fire line
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Red Lake 40 – North Spirit Lake First Nation
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Size: 8 789 ha | Status: Not under control
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Response:
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5 FireRanger crews with hose lines and helicopter support
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Hotspots extinguished to limit spread toward the community
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Sprinkler protection installed on critical infrastructure
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Red Lake 67 – McDowell Lake First Nation
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Size: 22 347 ha | Status: Not under control
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Conditions: Low fire behaviour
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Protection Measures: Structural sprinklers deployed and maintained on community buildings
Red Lake 72 – East of Poplar Hill
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Size: 4 941 ha | Status: Not under control
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Progress: Crews have extinguished spot fires east of McInnes Lake
Implementation Order Revoked – Red Lake 62
Effective July 19, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. CDT, the Ministry of Natural Resources has lifted the Emergency Area Order EAO 2025-011 around Red Lake 62.
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Roads & Lakes: All previously closed routes and waterbodies are now open.
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Crown Land Access: Full access restored.
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Ongoing Caution: FireRanger crews remain active along Nungesser Road. Expect heavy equipment and increased traffic—drive with extreme care.
No-Drone Zone
Operating drones near wildfires endangers aviation and firefighting crews and is illegal. Stay clear of all active fire zones.
How to Report a Wildland Fire
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North of French & Mattawa Rivers: Dial 310-FIRE (310-3473)
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South of French or Mattawa Rivers: Call 9-1-1
