Ministry of Natural Resources' forest fire info map for July 8, 2023.

The forest fire activity in northwestern Ontario continues to rise.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services says there were eight new fires over the last twenty-four hours, bringing the number of active blazes to 65.

New fires reported on Saturday include one about 47 kilometres east of Kasabonika. The 400-hectare fire is being observed.

A small fire at the south end of Meta Lake, about 60 kilometres northwest of Nakina, is listed as being held.

There are two small fires about 50 kilometres north of Nakina that are not under control as of late Saturday afternoon.

There are three new fires in the Sioux Lookout fire district.

A small fire near Greenmantle Lake, about 57 kilometres east of Highway 599, is being observed.

Another small one northeast of Dugal Lake, about 46 kilometres east of Pickle Lake, is being held.

The third is near Tuktegweik Bay in Lac Seul, approximately 39 kilometres north of Sioux Lookout and currently under control.

There is also a small fire about five kilometres west of Obonga-Ottertooth Provincial Park, near Sparkling Lake, last reported as not under control.

Of the larger fires, one at the western edge of Wabakimi Provincial Park has scorched 60,394 hectares and is not under control. Helicopter bucketing operations, crews and heavy equipment continue efforts to slow its spread.

A fire on the west side of Lake St. Joseph is listed at 6,730 hectares. Helicopter bucketing operations are involved, with crews working to protect area structures.

The MNR says fire crews are making good progress on a fire burning about four kilometres east of the Bearskin Lake First Nation. It covers 334 hectares and listed as being held.

A fire west of Ogoki Lake remains not under control. It has burned 37,868 hectares, with helicopter bucketing operations providing support.

Another fire located northwest of Ogoki Lake is also not under control, as it has scorched 10,064 hectares. Crews are establishing hose lines around the perimeter while helicopters provide an aerial attack with continued bucketing operations.

There is a similar response to a fire 40 kilometres north of Lac Seul First Nation that has burned 19,177 hectares. It remains not under control.

A ban on open burnings remains for all of northern Ontario.