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Firefighters are still working to contain multiple wildfires across Ontario’s Northwest Region, including three large fires near First Nations communities.
As of Thursday evening, 25 wildfires remain active in the region. Four are not under control, while others are being held, observed, or classified as under control.
One new fire—Sioux Lookout 25 was confirmed Thursday, west of Whitestone Lake. It’s small and is now being held.
The fire risk remains low in the southern part of the region, but moderate to high conditions persist in the north.
The largest and most active fire remains Red Lake 12, burning over 183,000 hectares near Deer Lake and Sandy Lake First Nations. It has not grown toward the communities, but officials say there hasn’t been any rain in the area since June 9. Fire crews worked on the fire’s eastern and southern edges Thursday, using helicopters and waterbombers to slow spread and help establish hose lines on the ground. Sprinkler protection systems remain in place around the nearby communities.
Sioux Lookout 18 is still not under control but showed reduced activity Thursday. It is burning east of Cat Lake First Nation and covers nearly 24,000 hectares. Recent scattered rainfall and cooler weather helped calm fire behaviour. Nine FireRanger crews are focused on setting up hose lines on the fire’s southern flank. An Ontario Incident Management Team has taken command and is coordinating efforts with the local fire headquarters and Cat Lake First Nation.
Near Webequie First Nation, Nipigon 5 remains out of control at more than 10,800 hectares. Fire crews are focusing efforts on the northeast and southeast parts of the fire, where the most heat remains. Officials describe the fire behaviour as low intensity.
Aviation restrictions remain in place around all three major fires to ensure the safety of fire suppression crews working in the area.
