Thunder Bay – Wildfire Update – Two new wildfires were confirmed in the Northwest Region by the evening of October 5, 2024.
New Wildfires in the Northwest
- Nipigon 43 (NIP043): Located south of Frazer Lake, about 18 kilometres northwest of Nipigon, this fire spans 2.0 hectares. Waterbombers were deployed for air attacks on Saturday afternoon, but the fire remains not under control.
- Thunder Bay 22 (THU022): This 0.1-hectare fire near Loon Lake and Highway 11/17, approximately 40 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, has been extinguished.
Active Wildfires
As of this update, there are 13 active fires in the Northwest Region:
- 2 fires not under control
- 1 fire under control
- 10 fires being observed
Fire of Note – Thunder Bay 21
Waterbombers resumed operations on Thunder Bay 21, located south of Batwing Lake, around 62 kilometres west of Thunder Bay. The fire, which was confirmed on October 3, has been remapped to 20 hectares in size.
Five FireRanger crews are currently working on the fire. Despite high to extreme fire hazards, wet weather is anticipated for the Thunder Bay area over the weekend, which may help firefighting efforts.
Current Fire Hazard Conditions
The wildland fire hazard across the Northwest Region remains high to extreme, particularly in the Thunder Bay, Fort Frances, Nipigon, and Sioux Lookout sectors. In the far northern areas, the hazard levels are moderate to high. Residents are encouraged to check Ontario’s interactive fire map for the latest updates on active fires and local fire danger levels.
Outdoor Burning Safety Reminder
With fall cleanups underway, Aviation, Forest Fire, and Emergency Services urges the public to be cautious when burning yard waste. Composting or using local landfills is recommended to avoid fire risks. If burning is necessary, follow Ontario’s Outdoor Burning Regulations:
- Fires must only be ignited two hours before sunset and extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise.
- Always have sufficient tools and water available to contain the fire.
For detailed information, consult Ontario’s Outdoor Burning Regulations, and visit ontario.ca for tips on safe burning practices.
Reporting Wildland Fires
- North of French and Mattawa Rivers: Dial 310-FIRE to report a wildland fire.
- South of French and Mattawa Rivers: Dial 9-1-1.
Stay safe, and remain informed about fire conditions in your area.
