THUNDER BAY – Wildfire Update – In the Northwest Region, there are currently 39 active fires. Out of these fires, six are not under control, two fires are being held, two fires are under control, and 29 fires are being observed. Initial attack crews have successfully extinguished three fires in the past 24 hours.
No new fires were confirmed in the Northwest Region by the late afternoon of July 17. However, an additional fire was confirmed in the evening hours of July 16.
- Nipigon 56
- Location: Approximately 1.6 km north of Highway 17 and 6.3 km northwest of Schreiber, near Jason Lake
- Size: 0.1 hectare
- Status: OUT (extinguished)
Fire Hazard Conditions
onsThe wildland fire hazard in the Northwest Region is primarily low, with areas of moderate hazard surrounding Red Lake, Pickle Lake, and the far eastern edge of the region. For detailed fire hazard conditions in your area, refer to our interactive map.
Fires of Note
- Sioux Lookout 33
- Location: Western edge of Wabakimi Provincial Park
- Size: 60,394 hectares
- Status: Not under control
- Crews are establishing hose lines, and helicopter bucketing operations are providing support.
- Sioux Lookout 44
- Location: West side of Lake St. Joseph
- Size: 6,730 hectares
- Status: Not under control
- Helicopter bucketing operations are working priority areas on the fire.
- Nipigon 19
- Location: Northwest of Ogoki Lake
- Size: 10,182 hectares
- Status: Not under control
- Crews are establishing hose lines and making good progress with the assistance of helicopter bucket machines.
- Red Lake 28
- Location: 40 km North of Lac Seul First Nation
- Size: 19,177 hectares
- Status: Not under control
- Crews are establishing hose lines, and helicopter bucketing operations are providing support. Infrared scanning is taking place to identify hotspots along the fire’s perimeter.
Safety Reminders
- Stay clear of waterbombers:
- When waterbombers approach a body of water, move close to the shore to ensure their safe scoop.
- Waterbombers will not scoop from a lake or river if encroaching watercraft pose a safety hazard.
- No Drone Zone:
- Flying drones around forest fires is dangerous and illegal.
- Drone activity near forest fires can put the lives of pilots, firefighters, and emergency personnel at risk.
Report a Wildland Fire
To report a wildland fire located north of the French and Mattawa rivers, dial 310-FIRE. For forest fires located south of the French or Mattawa rivers, dial 911.
