Over 24 wildfires burn in northwestern Ontario. Evacuations continue in Sandy Lake, Deer Lake & Webequie as fire risk and smoke warnings remain high.
Wildfires Prompt Ongoing Evacuations in Northern Ontario
As of June 13, more than two dozen wildfires are burning across northwestern Ontario, prompting urgent evacuations of First Nations communities and triggering widespread air quality concerns. Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) continues to coordinate wildfire suppression efforts with local and provincial emergency agencies.
Remote Communities Still Displaced
The communities of Sandy Lake, Deer Lake, and Webequie First Nations remain under evacuation orders. Hundreds of residents have been relocated to southern Ontario due to proximity to active wildfires, including Red Lake 12 and Nipigon 5. Red Lake 12 alone has scorched more than 175,000 hectares, making it the largest and most dangerous fire in the region.
Restrictions Eased, But Risks Persist
While burn bans and restricted access zones have been lifted in parts of the Kenora District, including areas near Kenora 20 and Kenora 32, the province stresses that conditions remain volatile. “Lifting the RFZ does not mean we can let our guard down,” officials from Ontario Forest Fires stated on Saturday.
Crews Work to Protect Homes and Infrastructure
FireRanger teams and heavy equipment have been deployed to build fire breaks and protect homes—especially around Sandy Lake and Deer Lake. In North Spirit Lake, evacuation plans have been paused for now, but the area remains under a state of emergency, with communications disrupted by fire activity.
Sioux Lookout Fire Grows Rapidly
A newly confirmed wildfire, Sioux Lookout 18, east of Cat Lake First Nation, has grown beyond 20,000 hectares in just days. Clear skies and warm temperatures have fueled its spread. Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fires and Emergency Services (AFFES) reports focused suppression using hose lines, sprinklers, helicopters, and CL-415 water bombers.
Air Quality Warnings Blanket the Region
Smoke from multiple wildfires continues to blanket communities in the north, prompting special air quality statements from Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment and Environment and Climate Change Canada. Impacted communities include:
- Big Trout Lake
- Pikangikum
- Pickle Lake
- Poplar Hill
- Sachigo Lake
- Wunnummin Lake
- Bearskin Lake
- Summer Beaver
- and others
The smoke has made fire monitoring more difficult and raised health concerns, especially for vulnerable populations.
Fire Hazard Remains High to Extreme
According to provincial officials, the wildland fire hazard is rated high to extreme across most of northwestern Ontario. While some rain is forecast in the coming week, fire risks are expected to persist. Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary outdoor burning and report any new fires by calling 310-FIRE.
Staying Informed and Safe
The Ontario government’s interactive fire map remains the best source for real-time updates. Officials emphasize that while some communities have seen restrictions lifted, many others remain on alert. Evacuation planning, aerial suppression, and ground-level protection efforts continue around the clock.
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