THUNDER BAY – WILDFIRE UPDATE – There were 23 new fires in the Northwest region by the early evening of July 29. Widespread lightning over the past few days has yielded numerous new starts in the western and central areas of the region as fire hazard conditions rebound.
At the time of this update, there were 98 active fires in the Northwest Region: 30 were not under control, three were being held, seven were under control and 58 were under observation.
Fire Hazard is High in Kenora and Sioux Lookout
The fire hazard is high in the Kenora, Sioux Lookout and portions of the Red Lake District. A predominantly moderate hazard prevails in Dryden, Fort Frances, Thunder Bay and Nipigon Districts.
New fire starts for July 28
- Kenora Fire 94 is located near Lount Lake, approximately 42 kilometres north of Kenora. At 0.2 hectares, the is under control.
- Fort Frances Fire 23 is located near Jackfish Lake, approximately 38 kilometres north of Fort Frances. The fire was declared out at 0.1 hectares
- Kenora Fire 95 is located east of Dowswell Lake, approximately 111 kilometres east of Ear Falls. At 0.1 hectare the fire is not under control.
- Kenora Fire 96 is located on a large interior island on Lake of the Woods, approximately 48 kilometres south of Kenora. The fire has been declared out at 0.1 hectares.
- Sioux Lookout Fire 89 is located near Bow Lake/Pipestone River, approximately 19.5 kilometres northeast of Pickle Lake. At 0.5 hectares the fire is being held.
- Red Lake Fire 142 and 144 are located south of Whitemud Lake, approximately 40 kilometres east of Ear Falls. Red 142 is 0.4 hectares and Red 144 is 0.3 hectares. Both fires are not under control
- Red Lake Fire 143 is located east of Ben Lake, approximately 54 kilometres northeast of Ear Falls. At 0.6 hectares the fire is not under control.
- Dryden Fire 33 is located near Favot Lake, approximately 65 kilometres east of Dryden. At 0.8 hectares, the fire not under control
- Fort Frances Fire 24 is located near Russell Lake in Quetico Provincial Park, approximately 30 kilometres south of Atikokan. At 0.2 hectares, the fire is being observed
- Fort Frances Fire 25 is located near Oriana Lake in Quetico Provincial Park, approximately 20 kilometres south of Atikokan. At 0.1 hectares the fire is being observed.
- Fort Frances Fire 26 is located near Mount Lake, approximately 50 kilometres west/northwest of Atikokan. The 0.4 hectare fire is not under control.
- Dryden Fire 34 is located on an island near Bear Narrows on Eagle Lake, approximately 25 kilometres southwest of Dryden. The fire has been declared out.
- Sioux Lookout Fire 90 (0.3 hectares) and 91 (1.5 hectares) are located near Dobie Lake, approximately 158 kilometres north of Sioux Lookout. Sioux Lookout 90 was being held, while Sioux Lookout 91 is not under control.
- Fort Frances Fire 27 is located near Otter Lake, approximately 57 kilometres northeast of Fort Frances.
- Sioux Lookout Fire 92 is located on the east side of Bannatyne Narrows on Lac Seul, approximately 26 kilometres northwest of Sioux Lookout. The 0.1 hectare fire is not under control.
- Dryden Fire 35 is burning north of Boyer Lake, approximately 36 kilometres southeast of Dryden. The 2.5 hectare fire is not under control.
- Thunder Bay Fire 33 is located approximately one kilometre north of the CN rail line at Baldhead Lake in Wabakimi Provincial Park. The 0.1 hectare fire is not under control.
- Red Lake Fire 145 (two hectares) and 146 (0.3 hectares) are located over 20 kilometres north of the far north community of North Spirit Lake. Both fires are not under control.
- Sioux Lookout Fire 93 is located east of Gull Lake, approximately 132 kilometres north of Sioux Lookout. The 0.3 hectare fire is not under control.
- Red Lake Fire 147 is located approximately 12 kilometres southeast of the community of Pikangikum. The 0.5 hectare fire was not under control.
Ontario Parks restricts access in Woodland Caribou Provincial Park
Several large fires in Woodland Caribou Park have necessitated some restrictions for backcountry travellers. Ontario Parks is restricting access to some canoe routes as well as access to a number of lakes. You can find more details here.
To see a complete list of fires across the province click on our interactive map. You can also get the latest update on the condition of any fire by clicking the fire icon.
Fire numbers and online information:
- Forest Fire Reporting Number – 310-FIRE (3473)
- Twitter account
Report prepared by Chris Marchand
