One new wildfire was reported Wednesday evening in Ontario’s northwest, bringing the number of fires currently being tracked in the region to around 23.
Dryden 14 is located about 10.5 kilometres east of Highway 105 near Affleck Lake. The fire measures 0.1 hectares and is being held.
In total, three fires are not under control, two are being held, six are under control, and 12 are being observed, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
Fires of note
The ministry says Red Lake Fire 12 remains the largest in the region. The fire is burning northeast of Sandy Lake and Deer Lake First Nations and spans 194,127 hectares.
Fire behaviour was minimal on Wednesday following recent rainfall, though officials note that dry ground conditions could lead to renewed surface activity.
Overnight infrared scans are being used to identify hot spots for helicopter water drops.
There are 29 firefighting crews assigned to the blaze, supported by 18 helicopters, four of which are heavy-lift machines. Some teams are also rotating out after completing their deployments.
Sioux Lookout Fire 18, near Cat Lake First Nation, is still not under control at 23,648 hectares.
Reports show fire activity was minimal Wednesday as crews worked along both the west and east sides of the fire with helicopter support. Warm, dry conditions are expected to continue through the week.
Nipigon Fire 5, located near Webequie First Nation, remains at 10,816 hectares. Crews continue securing the perimeter and extinguishing any lingering hot spots.
Officials say the wildfire hazard remains low across most of the region, but some isolated pockets of moderate risk persist outside the Kenora sector.
