Smoke from Red Lake Fire 12, near Sandy Lake First Nation, drifts over forest on June 7, 2025. Image: Ontario Forest Fires Facebook page
A new forest fire has been reported in Northwestern Ontario.
Sioux Lookout 53 was confirmed on Tuesday evening and is burning in a remote area about 6.5 kilometres southeast of Hisson Lake and over 23 kilometres northwest of Whitestone Lake. The fire is estimated at 50 hectares in size and is currently being observed.
There are now 47 active fires in the region. Among them, eight are not under control, two are being held, ten are under control, and 27 are being monitored.
The wildfire hazard continues to vary across the region. Conditions are considered low to moderate through Fort Frances, Dryden, Thunder Bay, and the southern part of the Nipigon fire management area. However, most of the northern region—including Red Lake and surrounding areas—remains under a high hazard rating, with parts of central Red Lake classified as extreme.
Red Lake 12, which has impacted Deer Lake and Sandy Lake First Nations, is now being held at just under 196,000 hectares. Fire crews and helicopters continue their work along the fire’s southern and eastern edges.
