There are 129 active wildland fires in the Northwest Region.
Of those fires, 62 are not under control, 5 fires are being held, 4 fires are under control 58 fires are being observed.
As the time of broadcast, there are zero active fires in the Kenora District and with the recent weather and drop in temperatures, hazard ratings have also dropped but a restricted fire zone remains in effect for all of Northwestern Ontario.
Over 500 fires have been confirmed in Ontario so far for 2026, and currently over 900 fires burning across the Country.
For Friday, Environment Canada issued a yellow warning for air quality for Kenora – Grassy Narrows – Wabaseemoong First Nation areas.
Smoke can cause an increase in health risks and can cause irritation to eyes, nose and throat, headaches and cough and fatigue
Wildfire smoke can impact everyone with people aged 65 and older, pregnant women, young children, and those with existing chronic illnesses having greater risk. Make sure to check in on loved ones, friends and others that might have greater risks with smoke.
The smoke looks to be around our area until Saturday Night or Sunday morning.
You can take a look at the firesmoke and how it drifts by visiting firesmoke.ca and getting more details from Environment Canada when you look up your local weather.
Other news from this week:
The following communities have been under mandatory evacuation under the Northwest Region of the OPP:
- Armstrong
- Namaygoosisagagun First Nation (Collins) First Nation
- Cushing Lake
- Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation and nearby communities
- Whitesand First Nation
- Gull Bay First Nation
- Cat Lake
- Saugeen First Nation
- McDowell Lake
- Fort Hope
- Mishkeegogamang First Nation
Ministry of Natural Resources has also put an evacuation order in the area of Fort Frances 14 which is approximately 75km east of Atikokan. Here is a map of the evacuated area.
This Order is in effect as of July 17, 2026 at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time until such time as the order is revoked.
Residents in the following areas are encouraged to prepare for a possible evacuation due to the evolving wildfire situation:
- Ignace
- Crystal Lake
- Highway 633 area
Upsala Fire Department announced on Facebook that they are encouraging residents to evacuate however a mandatory evacuation has not been called to date.
Areas around Fort Frances 14, 15 & 38 as well as Fort Frances 39 & Minnesota’s “Thumb Fire” have also been put on Evacuation Alert.
Restricted Fire Zone in effect with the city of Kenora also having a burn ban.
For the list of areas included and for more information on these evacuation alerts, visit ontario.ca/fireupdates
