THUNDER BAY – WILDFIRE REPORT – MAY 16, 2025 – The Northwest Region continues to face an active wildfire situation, with 10 active fires reported by 20:15 CDT. Of these, four are under control, one is being observed, and five remain not under control.
While recent precipitation and cooler temperatures have temporarily slowed fire activity, vast areas of Northwestern Ontario remain dangerously dry, especially stretching from Fort Frances to Lac Seul where moderate to high fire hazards persist.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and respect ongoing travel, waterway, and evacuation restrictions.
Kenora Fires: KEN020 and KEN014 Continue to Threaten Communities
KENORA 20 (KEN020)
Firefighting efforts continued west of Wabaseemoong First Nation where heavy helicopters bucketed hotspots on May 16, supported by out-of-province crews arriving over the weekend.
Recent rains helped slow the fire’s advance, with the perimeter now accurately mapped at 30,986 hectares, still approximately 2.5 km west of Wabaseemoong.
The fire remains not under control, with FireRanger crews reinforcing protection in the Longpine and Macara Lake areas.
Restrictions in Effect:
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Full travel, waterway, and Crown Land access bans are in place under Emergency Area Order EAO 2025-03.
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Evacuation orders remain active for the designated areas.
Travel Permits: Contact Annie Langford, (807) 456-2370, [email protected].
KENORA 14 (KEN014)
FireRanger crews continue suppression along the southern flank, maintaining protection for values at risk. 16 helicopters remain assigned to the Kenora fires.
Restrictions: Highway 525 and waterways from Tetu Lake to Umfreville Lake remain off-limits.
Travel Permits: Contact Annie Langford, (807) 456-2370, [email protected].
Fort Frances 4: Renewed Suppression Efforts and Evacuation Alerts
FOR004, located northeast of Fort Frances, remains at 3,593 hectares.
Suppression is focused on the south end, while structure protection continues in the north end.
An evacuation alert remains in place for all communities and cottagers along Camp 111 Road, Crooked Pine Road, Niobe Lake, Marmion Lake, and surrounding areas, urging residents to be prepared to evacuate on short notice.
Restrictions in Effect under EAO 2025-04:
Roads, waterways, and Crown lands within the affected area are closed.
Travel Permits: Contact Laura Pfeifer, (807) 597-5001.
Sioux Lookout 3: Crews Establish Protection as Fire Nears Community
SLK003 has been remapped to 1,849 hectares, with crews deploying heavy equipment to build containment lines and protect Sioux Lookout.
Restrictions in Effect under EAO 2025-05:
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Travel bans along Highway 516, Highway 599, and forest access roads including 702, Island Lake, and Pintail Roads.
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Waterways in the Savant Lake, Neston, Marchington River system are off-limits.
Travel Permits: Contact Jacey Cole, (807) 738-5658.
Restricted Fire Zone and Safety Notices
A Restricted Fire Zone remains in effect for portions of the Northwest Region (Zones 2, 3, 6, 7, 8) as of May 16 at 12:01 AM, banning all open-air burning including campfires.
Gas or propane stoves are permitted with caution. All burning permits are suspended until further notice.
Important Reminder:
Operating drones over active wildfires is illegal and endangers emergency crews and aircraft. The public is reminded to keep drones grounded near any wildfire zones.
Report a Wildland Fire
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North of French and Mattawa Rivers: Dial 310-FIRE
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South of French or Mattawa Rivers: Dial 9-1-1
For the latest updates, fire maps, and restriction areas, visit ontario.ca/fireupdates.
