THUNDER BAY, ON – A new wildfire has been confirmed in the Northwest Region as of the early evening on October 2.
Current Fire Activity
- Nipigon 41 (NIP041): Located on Leon Island in Lake Superior, approximately 39 km east/southeast of Red Rock, this fire is currently 0.1 hectares in size and is being observed.
- Fort Frances 18: Confirmed on October 1 near Rainy Lake on Couchiching First Nation, this fire was promptly handled by the local fire department and declared out at 0.1 hectares.
As of this update, there are 10 active fires in the Northwest Region, all of which are being observed. In the past 24 hours, two fires have been declared out.
Fire Hazard Levels
The fire hazard is moderate across the Dryden and Kenora fire management sectors, while Fort Frances and Thunder Bay sectors face high to extreme conditions. Nipigon, Red Lake, and Sioux Lookout sectors show a mix of low, moderate, and high hazard levels.
For real-time updates on fire activity and hazards in your area, visit the Interactive Fire Map.
Outdoor Burning Safety Reminder
As we move further into the fall season, Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services urges the public to exercise caution when performing any outdoor burning. Composting or using your local landfill is recommended for yard waste and woody debris disposal. If burning is necessary, ensure compliance with Ontario’s Outdoor Burning Regulations:
- Fires should only be ignited no earlier than two hours before sunset and must be extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise.
- Always have sufficient water and tools on-site to control the fire.
For the full set of burning regulations and tips on safe outdoor burning, visit How to Burn Grass and Woody Debris Safely | ontario.ca.