NORTHEAST ONTARIO – WILDFIRE REPORT (July 8, 2025 – 18:07 EDT): Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) is reporting two new wildland fires in the Northeast Region, both of which are situated in remote areas of Cochrane District.
These newly confirmed fires bring the total number of active wildfires in the Northeast to 8. Of these:
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1 fire is under control
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7 fires are being observed
The fire hazard remains a mixed concern across the region, with low to moderate conditions prevailing through the central and southern zones, and high hazard levels reported across the northern tier.
New Fires Confirmed – July 8, 2025
🔥 Cochrane 13 (COC013)
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Size: 50 hectares
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Location: Approximately 38 kilometres east of Peawanuck, a remote Cree community near Hudson Bay
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Status: Being observed
This fire is burning in a largely unpopulated wilderness area, limiting its immediate threat to communities or infrastructure. Fire crews are actively monitoring the fire’s perimeter and behavior via aerial surveillance, watching for any significant changes prompted by wind or weather.
🔥 Cochrane 14 (COC014)
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Size: 52 hectares
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Location: Roughly 13 kilometres northeast of the Poplar River, in a remote northern sector of Cochrane District
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Status: Being observed
Similar to COC013, this fire is located in a rugged and inaccessible part of the region. While not currently threatening any populated areas, its position within high hazard territory warrants continued close observation.
Current Wildland Fire Hazard – July 8 Overview
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Central & Southern Northeast Region:
🔹 Low to moderate fire hazard continues due to recent precipitation and cooler temperatures. -
Northern Northeast Region:
🔺 High fire hazard conditions persist, particularly in the upper reaches of Cochrane and James Bay sectors, where dry fuels and warmer weather have created favorable conditions for ignition and fire spread.
Ontarians can track wildfire hazard levels in their local area using the province’s Interactive Fire Hazard Map.
🔧 Be FireSmart: Protect Your Property Before Fire Strikes
Wildfires can escalate quickly and threaten communities, especially those situated at the wildland-urban interface — areas where forests meet residential properties. Ontario’s FireSmart program offers simple, effective ways to prepare and protect homes, cottages, and businesses.
🔹 Clear dry brush and debris
🔹 Maintain a defensible space around buildings
🔹 Use fire-resistant landscaping
🔹 Keep eaves, roofs, and gutters clean
➡ Learn more at: Ontario.ca/FireSmart
🔥 Outdoor Burning Reminder – Know the Regulations
With dry conditions still present in parts of the Northeast, AFFES urges the public to exercise extreme caution when performing any outdoor burning.
✅ Burn only between two hours before sunset and two hours after sunrise
✅ Never leave a fire unattended
✅ Always have tools and water nearby
✅ Use composting or landfill disposal for yard debris as a safer alternative
Failure to follow regulations can result in fines, liability for damages, or worse — a dangerous wildfire.
🔍 For full details: Outdoor Burning Rules in Ontario
📞 How to Report a Wildland Fire
If you see smoke or flames in a forested area:
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North of the French and Mattawa Rivers: Call 310-FIRE (3473)
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South of the French or Mattawa Rivers: Call 9-1-1
For daily wildfire updates and tips in English and French, follow:
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🔥 Facebook, Instagram, and X:
@ONforestfires/@ONfeudeforet -
🌐 More info: Ontario.ca/fireupdates
