Thunder Bay — May 27, 2025 (20:39 CDT) – The Northwest Fire Region continues to face escalating wildfire activity, with 12 active fires currently being managed across the region. According to Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES), 4 of the fires are not under control, 3 are being held, and 5 are under control.
Five New Fires Confirmed May 27, Four Remain Uncontrolled
As of Tuesday evening, five new wildland fires were confirmed:
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THUNDER BAY 13 (THU013): Located at the south end of Dog Lake in Silver Falls Provincial Park, this 0.1-hectare fire is not under control.
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NIPIGON 3 (NIP003): Located 2 km west of Longlac, along the north end of Long Lake, this 0.1-hectare fire remains uncontrolled.
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RED LAKE 9 (RED009): Found on the east side of Pikangikum First Nation beside Pikangikum Lake, this 0.1-hectare fire is now out.
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NIPIGON 4 (NIP004): Located 2 km south of Longlac, along the east side of Long Lake, this 0.1-hectare fire is also not under control.
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RED LAKE 10 (RED010): Discovered on the south side of Pikangikum First Nation, this 0.1-hectare fire has also been extinguished.
Fire Hazard Rated High to Extreme Across the Region
The wildland fire hazard is high to extreme across most of the Northwest Region, driven by persistent dry conditions and strong winds. Residents, outdoor enthusiasts, and travelers are encouraged to consult the Interactive Fire Map at Ontario.ca/fireupdates for real-time conditions and fire zone boundaries.
Fires of Note: Kenora 20, Fort Frances 4, Sioux Lookout 3
Kenora 20 (KEN020)
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Size: 32,014 hectares and not under control
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Fire activity: Low to moderate overall, but hot spots are flaring on the western flank near the Manitoba border
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Action: Infrared scanning is underway to identify priority areas, while bucketing helicopters and ground crews work from the eastern perimeter inward
Fort Frances 4 (FOR004)
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Size: Approximately 3,593 hectares
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Status: Being held
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Action: FireRangers are focused on extinguishing remaining hot spots
Sioux Lookout 3 (SLK003)
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Size: Approximately 1,849 hectares
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Status: Being held
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Action: Crews continue to identify and extinguish hot spots
Restricted Fire Zone in Effect Across Key Zones
To combat the fire risk and reduce human-caused fires, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry declared a Restricted Fire Zone on May 16 at 12:01 a.m. CDT, which remains in effect until further notice.
Impacted zones: Zones 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8 — covering areas from the U.S./Ontario/Manitoba border up to Wabakimi and Quetico Provincial Parks.
Prohibited activities:
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No open-air burning, including campfires
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Burn permits suspended
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Portable gas or propane stoves may be used but must be handled with extreme caution
To view detailed maps and restrictions by zone, visit: Ontario.ca/fireupdates or the Interactive Fire Map.
Drones Near Fires Are Illegal and Endanger Lives
AFFES reminds the public that flying drones near active wildfires is both illegal and extremely dangerous. Unauthorized drone use can halt firefighting operations, endanger aircraft crews, and delay emergency responses.
🚫 NO DRONE ZONE: Stay grounded near wildfires. You could face charges and put lives at risk.
Know the Rules: What’s Allowed in a Restricted Fire Zone
While open fires are banned, you may still use propane or gas stoves for cooking or heat. However, these must be operated with extreme caution. For full details on what is and isn’t allowed, visit Ontario’s Outdoor Fire Restrictions page at:
👉 Outdoor Fire Restrictions | Ontario.ca
How to Report a Wildland Fire
📞 To report a wildland fire north of the French and Mattawa Rivers:
Call 310-FIRE (3473)
📞 To report a fire south of the French or Mattawa Rivers:
Call 9-1-1
AFFES continues to monitor conditions closely and deploy resources strategically across the region. The public’s awareness, cooperation, and caution remain critical to preventing new fires during this period of heightened risk.
