Fires Active in Northwest Ontario as of July 1, 2026

THUNDER BAY – Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services reports 76 active wildland fires in Ontario’s Northwest Fire Region as of the evening of July 1, 2026.

The July 1 update, issued at 18:25 CDT, confirms four new fires by early evening, along with two additional fires that were confirmed late on June 30 after the previous report.

Of the 76 active fires, 31 are not under control, two are being held, five are under control, and 40 are being observed. One fire was called out over the past 24 hours.

Four New Fires Confirmed July 1

Sioux Lookout 57 – SLK057
Sioux Lookout 57 is located about 41 kilometres east of Pickle Lake. The fire covers five hectares and is not under control.

Thunder Bay 32 – THU032
Thunder Bay 32 is burning west of Smoothrock Lake in Wabakimi Provincial Park, approximately 42 kilometres northwest of Armstrong. The fire spans half a hectare and is not under control.

Thunder Bay 31 – THU031
Thunder Bay 31 is situated east of Smoothrock Lake in Wabakimi Provincial Park, around 32 kilometres northwest of Armstrong. The fire measures about a tenth of a hectare and is not under control.

Nipigon 21 – NIP021
Nipigon 21 lies roughly58 kilometres east-southeast of Webequie First Nation in the Far North. This fire covers five hectares and is currently being observed.

Two Additional Fires Confirmed Late June30

Fort Frances15-FOR015Fort Frances15is near Olifaunt Lakein Quetico Provincial Park , about28kilometressoutheastof Atikokan. Thefire extends over10hectaresandisnotundercontrol.

Sioux Lookout56-SLK056Sioux Lookout56isina remote areaabout84kilometresnortheastof Pickle Lake. Thefirecovers43hectaresandisbeingobserved.

Kasabonika Lake First Nation Complex

Fire crews , aircraftandfiremanagementstaffremainassignedtotheclusteroffiresnear Kasabonika Lake First Nation.

Aviation , Forest Fireand Emergency Services saysnine Fire Rangercrews, eightfiremanagementpersonnel, fourhelicopters, andonefixed-wingaircraftareassignedtothe Kasabonika Lake First Nationcluster. Most Fire Ranger crewsareexpectedtojoininthecomingdaysforthefightingefforts.Nipigon16-NIP016hasbeenremappedtoanaccuratesizeof1474.2hectares. Thefireremainsnotundercontrol.

Firebehaviourhasdecreasedafter9.4millimetresofrainfellwithin24hoursonthe30thof June. Noovernightrainwasrecordedon July1st.Nipigon12-NIP012islocatedabout20kilometreswestof Kasabonika Lake First Nationandcurrentlymeasures965hectares.Threeotheractivefires remaininthesurroundingareaof Kasabonika Lake First Nation :Nipigon13-NIP013: notundercontrol, re-mappedto298hectares Nipigon14-NIP014: notundercontrolattwohectares Nipigon15- NIP015: notundercontro l at0.1 hectares

NOTAMin Place Near Nipigon16ANotice to Airmen , or NOTAM, is inplace intheareaof Nipigon16 near Kasabonika Lake First Nation.

This restriction adds tothestandard airspace rulesaroundactiveforestfires. Under Section601.15ofthe Canadian Aviation Regulations, the airspacewithinfive nautical milesofanactiveforestfire , upto3000feetabovethegroundlevel, isrestrictedtoforestfiresuppressionaircraftonly.

Pilotsareremindedtocheck Nav Canada ’s Collaborative Flight Planning Servicesunderthe Weatherand NOTAMtabbeforeflying.

Fort Frances14Grows Quickly Near Byers LakeFort Frances14-FOR014islocatedabout35kilometerssouthwestof Upsala , ne ar Byers Lake.Thefirewasdiscoveredlateon June30. Highwindsanddryconditionscausedtherapidgrowth, andit’snowlistedat1510 hectares.
Waterbomberswereactivelyworkingonthefireon Julyfirst. Crewsaremobilizingtonowbeginfiresuppressionassoonaspossible.

– **Section**: `NOTAM` (Notice to Airmen) – **Key Points**: * Flight restrictions around active wildland fires. * Specific sections refer to aircraft operations. ### Wildland Fire Updates & Resources You can always get updated information on wildfire status from various official channels like ONforestfires or ONfeudeforet or visit Ontario. ca/Fire Updates. For any emergency situation related to wildfires: – If you’re north of French & Mattawa rivers call **310-FIRE (3473)**. – For those south call **911**. Remember to check local regulations before burning anything outdoors! #### Wildfire Risk Ratings Wildfire risk updates occur regularly based on real-time weather conditions across the province’s extensive network. Check your local ratings through Ontario’s interactive fire map; they classify hazard levels as follows: – Blue for low hazard – Green for moderate hazard – Yellow for high hazard – Red for extreme hazard Lastly, As we approach peak summer months, stay safe by avoiding outdoor burning when you can! Consider alternatives like composting yard waste instead. When allowed, Fires should only be started within specific time frames – no sooner than two hours before sunset and fully extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise. Ensure you have enough tools and water available if you’re lighting up outdoors. If you’re inside municipal boundaries, It’s best to confirm local burning restrictions or permits with your fire department first. Stay informed!