The Ministry of Natural Resources has implemented a Restricted Fire Zone effective July 15th at 12:01am. local time in the Northwest Region.
This is to reduce the amount of human caused fires that could turn into wildland and forest fires.
This will include all communities in the Northwest Region including Kenora, Dryden, Fort Frances, Sioux Lookout, Ignace and communities including Whitedog, Grassy Narrows, Shoal Lake 39 and 40, Wauzhushk Onigum Nation, Naotkamegwanning First Nation and other areas.
City of Kenora has also matched this restricted fire zone with their own City-wide ban in effect starting 12:01am on July 15th.
All burning permits are cancelled until further notice.
This City-Wide fire ban will remain in effect until the MNRF lifts their restricted fire zone.
Currently there are 148 active fires in the Northwest Region with multiple first nation communities evacuated east of Kenora including Whitesand First Nation, Collins First Nation, Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation (Lac La Croix) and Lac Des Mille Lacs First Nation as well as the community of Armstrong.
453 forest/wildfires have already appeared in Ontario in 2026, this is already up from 2025 fire season which saw 349 fires.
More details to follow.
