Wildfires remain a serious concern across Northwestern Ontario, with 15 active fires burning throughout the region.
At the time of this update, five fires are out of control, four are being held, five are under control, and one fire is being observed.
Crews continue to work on containing the spread as dry conditions persist.
One of the newest fires, Kenora fire 32, has reached 2,402 hectares after moving into Ontario from Manitoba.
The fire is located near Eagle-Snowshoe Lake, about 100 kilometres southwest of Red Lake, and is not under control. Fire crews are actively working to slow its progress.
Meanwhile, Fort Frances fire 8, discovered Thursday afternoon, is burning 17 kilometres east of Atikokan, between Nickelby Lake and Niobe Lake.
This 0.2-hectare fire is under control, and crews are monitoring for any flare-ups.
Kenora fire 20 is still covering 34,008 hectares, which is burning near Ingolf and Wabaseemoong.
The western side of the fire, located in Manitoba, is the most active, though firefighters are making steady progress on containment along the eastern perimeter.
In Deer Lake First Nation, Red Lake fire 12 has expanded to 7,122 hectares, moving east and southeast.
Fire crews are focusing their efforts on protecting the airport and the surrounding infrastructure.
As a precaution, evacuations for vulnerable residents began on Thursday.
Nipigon fire 5, near Webequie First Nation, has grown to 1,200 hectares and continues to spread east/northeast.
Community leaders have issued a pre-evacuation alert, advising residents to prepare in case conditions worsen.
Other active fires include Kenora fire 14, holding at 1,607 hectares, near Wabaseemoong First Nation, and Fort Frances fire 4, east of Atikokan, which remains at 3,593 hectares.
Sioux Lookout fire 3, near Sioux Lookout, has reached 1,849 hectares and is now classified as “being held,” as crews work to eliminate remaining hotspots.
Fire crews are using waterbombers, helicopters, and ground teams to slow fire spread and protect nearby communities.
