Wildfires are expanding across northwestern Ontario, with the largest, Red Lake 12, spanning over 66,000 hectares and not yet under control. Smoke from these fires and Manitoba is pervading southern parts of the province, leading to widespread air quality warnings and statements. A restricted fire zone, first issued in mid-May and expanded at the end of the month, remains in effect, along with travel bans. Deer Lake First Nation was evacuated last week, sending hundreds of community members to Toronto.
Air quality warnings, burn bans in place as wildfires expand across northwestern Ontario
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Wildfires are expanding across northwestern Ontario, with the largest, Red Lake 12, spanning over 66,000 hectares and not yet under control. Smoke from these fires and Manitoba is pervading southern parts of the province, leading to widespread air quality warnings and statements. A restricted fire zone, first issued in mid-May and expanded at the end of the month, remains in effect, along with travel bans. Deer Lake First Nation was evacuated last week, sending hundreds of community members to Toronto.
Trending- 1 Mid-May: Restricted fire zone first issued in northwestern Ontario.
- 2 End of May: Restricted fire zone expanded.
- 3 Last week: Deer Lake First Nation evacuated, hundreds sent to Toronto.
- 4 Thursday night: Ontario Forest Fires provides latest update on Red Lake 12 and other fires.
- 5 Friday afternoon: Several air quality warnings in effect across the region.
- 6 Ongoing: 18 active fires being tracked; Red Lake 12 is over 66,000 hectares and not under control.
- Evacuation of Deer Lake First Nation, sending hundreds to Toronto
- Widespread air quality warnings and health risks (eye, nose, throat irritation, headaches, cough)
- Implementation of restricted fire zones, burn bans, and travel bans
- Limited drone usage in affected areas
What: Wildfires are expanding in northwestern Ontario, causing widespread air quality warnings, burn bans, and travel restrictions.
When: As of Thursday night (implied June 5th, 2025); Friday afternoon (implied June 6th, 2025). Restricted fire zone issued mid-May, expanded end of May. Deer Lake First Nation evacuated last week.
Where: Northwestern Ontario, including Red Lake, Nipigon, Kenora, Dryden, Fort Frances, Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay, Atikokan, Geraldton, Manitouwadge, Marathon, Wawa. Smoke affecting southern parts of Ontario and Manitoba.
Why: Wildfires are growing due to high to extreme wildland fire hazard, leading to widespread smoke and hazardous air quality.
How: Fires are expanding naturally due to conditions. Crews are working to contain fires and maintain sprinkler setups. Authorities have implemented restricted fire zones, burn bans, travel bans, and NOTAMS (notice to airmen) about limited drone usage.