Smoke from Red Lake Fire 12, near Sandy Lake First Nation, drifts over forest on June 7, 2025. Image: Ontario Forest Fires Facebook page
Wildfire crews in Northwestern Ontario are managing 49 active fires across the region, including three new ones confirmed on July 16.
The most significant new blaze is Red Lake 111, located north of Malette Lake and northwest of Weeskayjakh Ohtahzhoganeeg Provincial Park. It remains not under control and currently measures 1.5 hectares. Another new fire, Red Lake 110, is burning at 0.1 hectare south of Valhalla Lake. Sioux Lookout 58 has been extinguished.
Overall, 12 fires are not under control, two are being held, seven are under control, and 28 are being observed. Fire hazard conditions vary from low to extreme, with the highest concern in a pocket west of Big Trout Lake in the Sioux Lookout sector.
Red Lake 62: Repairs and Rain Offer Brief Relief
Red Lake 62 remains the main priority, burning near Pikangikum First Nation and covering 31,367 hectares. Crews took advantage of recent rainfall to make progress, but with fair weather expected to return, fire behaviour is forecasted to increase. Heavy helicopters were used to drop water on the fire’s northeast perimeter.
A total of 13 FireRanger crews are assigned to Red Lake 62, supported by seven pieces of heavy equipment and up to 15 helicopters. Repairs to fire-damaged electrical infrastructure have now been completed.
