One New Fire Near Thunder Bay as Region Battles Multiple Blazes
THUNDER BAY – WILDFIRE UPDATE – The Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) reports 11 active wildfires in the Northwest Fire Region as of 7:00 p.m. CDT on May 26, 2025. Of these, three fires are not under control, two are being held, and six are now under control.
A new fire, designated Thunder Bay 12 (THU012), was confirmed near the northern peninsula of Baldhead Lake. The fire spans 0.1 hectares and is not under control.
Fire Hazard Levels: High to Extreme in Western Northwest Ontario
Conditions remain volatile, particularly in the western sectors of the region, where fire hazards are high to extreme. The Thunder Bay and Nipigon areas are currently experiencing moderate to high risk. Residents and visitors are encouraged to check Ontario’s Interactive Fire Hazard Map for real-time updates in their area.
Restricted Fire Zone in Effect: Outdoor Burning Banned
To combat human-caused fires during this extreme hazard period, a Restricted Fire Zone remains in effect for zones 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8 in Northwest Ontario. The restrictions prohibit all open-air burning, including campfires. Only portable gas or propane stoves are permitted — and even then, they must be used with extreme caution.
This zone stretches from the southwest Ontario-Manitoba border, north past Weeskayjahk Ohtahzhoganeeng Provincial Park, eastward past Wabakimi Provincial Park, and south along the Quetico Provincial Park boundary back to the U.S. border. Visit Ontario.ca/fireupdates for exact boundaries and additional restrictions.
Fires of Note: Kenora, Fort Frances, and Sioux Lookout
KENORA 20 (KEN020)
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Size: 31,276 hectares
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Status: Not under control
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Activity: Moderate intensity; most fire activity is along the western flank near the Manitoba border.
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Response: Helicopters are performing targeted water drops using infrared scanning; crews continue securing the eastern perimeter. Cloud cover and smoke are helping to limit fire behavior.
FORT FRANCES 4 (FOR004)
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Size: Approx. 3,593 hectares
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Status: Being held
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Response: FireRanger crews are focusing on hotspot detection and suppression. The Implementation Order for this fire has now been revoked.
SIOUX LOOKOUT 3 (SLK003)
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Size: Approx. 1,849 hectares
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Status: Not under control
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Response: Crews are continuing the effort to locate and extinguish hotspots, with limited growth reported.
Implementation Orders Still in Place
Implementation Orders remain active for Kenora 14, Kenora 20, and Sioux Lookout 3, with associated access and activity restrictions in affected areas. These are critical for the safety of the public and frontline crews. Check Ontario.ca/fireupdates for details.
No Drone Zone: Public Safety First
Flying drones near forest fires is illegal and dangerous. Unauthorized drone flights can ground waterbombers and helicopters, putting firefighter lives at risk and delaying suppression efforts. If you see a fire — stay clear and report it.
Report a Wildfire
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North of French and Mattawa Rivers: Dial 310-FIRE (no area code required)
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South of French or Mattawa Rivers: Dial 911
