Ontario’s northwest region confirmed five new wildfires Tuesday evening, raising the total to around 24 active fires.
Four blazes remain uncontrolled, one is being held, seven are under control, and 12 are under observation, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
Red Lake 12, the largest fire, spans 194,127 hectares northeast of Sandy Lake and Deer Lake First Nations.
Crews have the upper hand thanks to recent rain and cooler weather. They’re using 18 helicopters and 23 ground crews to work hotspots on the fire’s south and east sides.
Sioux Lookout 18, near Cat Lake First Nation, covers 23,648 hectares and remains not under control despite minimal activity.
Ten fire ranger crews and five helicopters are on site extending hoselines along the east flank.
Nipigon 5, near Webequie First Nation, is now held at 10,816 hectares. Crews are putting out any remaining embers along the fire’s edge
All five new fires reported Tuesday night were each about 0.1 hectares, three near Red Lake, one by Botham Bay in Big Vermilion Lake and one east of Highway 502 in the Dryden area.
Officials say wildfire hazard is low for most communities, with only two small zones at moderate risk.