Wildfire activity continues across northwestern Ontario, with eight more fires confirmed since the previous update. As of June 18, there are now 28 active wildfires in the region, ranging from small island fires to some of the largest in the province.
Six of the newly confirmed fires were reported on June 18. These include fires near the North Spirit Lake Winter Road, Nungesser Road, and several areas west of Kenora. Three of the new fires remain not under control, two are either being held or under control, and one has already been called out.
Two other small fires were also confirmed late on June 17 — both located near Wakeman Lake and Stormer Lake — and have since been extinguished.
In total, of the 28 active fires in the region, seven are not under control, three are being held, seven are under control, and eleven are being monitored. Fire crews also managed to fully extinguish five fires over the past 24 hours.
The wildfire risk remains high in parts of the Northwest Region, with some areas — especially in southern fire zones — facing extreme fire hazard. Fire officials continue to urge caution.
The largest fire in the region, Red Lake 12, remains out of control at 177,087 hectares, but there was no new growth toward Deer Lake or Sandy Lake First Nations on Tuesday. Crews supported by helicopters are now focusing on new perimeter areas along the fire’s southeast edge. Additional progress was made on hose lines along the northern part of the fire, close to Sandy Lake, helping hold the line south along the eastern flank.
Elsewhere, Nipigon 5, located near Webequie First Nation, remains out of control at over 10,800 hectares. Crews are targeting remaining hot spots on the northeast and southeast parts of the fire, with helicopter support continuing.
Sioux Lookout 18, near Cat Lake First Nation, is also still out of control at 23,816 hectares. Fire crews remain focused on the southwest side of the fire, the area closest to the community. Scattered rain helped slightly, and aerial suppression continued throughout the day. An Ontario Incident Management Team has now arrived and will take command of operations at this fire site in the coming days.
