Residents of Thunder Bay are learning that No new wildland blazes were confirmed in Northwestern Ontario by the evening of Saturday, Aug.

15, but85 wildfires remained active across the Northwest Fire Region, including seven classified as not under control. Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Critical incident Services reported cooler conditions and the possibility of rain across major fire-affected areas, helping crews working on the massive Rinker Lake Complex and the Atikokan-area blazes. The Restricted Fire Zone covering the Northwest Region also remains an notable restriction for residents, campers, outfitters and travellers.

15, the 85 active blazes were classified as: The declining number of blazes does not mean the forest fire crisis is over. Several very large blazes remain uncontrolled, requiring crews, aircraft and supplies from Ontario and outside the province. TheRinker Lake Complex, consisting of Thunder Bay 36, Dryden 34 and Dryden 35, remains one of the most significant forest fire operations in Northwestern Ontario. FireRanger crews fromOntario, Alberta, Manitoba and Nova Scotia, along with firefighters fromMexico, continue suppression work across the complex.

The fire remained classified asnot under controlin the Aug.

Crews are locating and extinguishing residual heat, smoke and isolated areas of open flame. Fire activity was reported as low Saturday. Cooler temperatures and possible rainfall were expected to further reduce fire intensity and support suppression operations. The three blazes remain not under control: Together, the three blazes cover approximately377,241 hectares, although mapped fire sizes can change as crews obtain more accurate perimeter information. Ontario’s current provincial blaze information confirms the most recent mapped size of DRY035 at 30,201 hectares. For the city District, THU036 remains especially notable because of its enormous footprint and the resources required to manage a fire of that size. Even when visible flames decline, crews can spend considerable time identifying deep-burning hot spots and securing sections of perimeter. Firefighters are also continuing work on theAtikokan Cluster, consisting of Fort Frances 13, Fort Frances 14 and Fort Frances 15. An additional20 firefighters from Mexico joined the Fort Frances 14 operation Saturday, adding to the international personnel supporting Ontario crews. Firefighters are targeting hot spots identified through infrared scanning, with helicopters providing water-bucketing support where fire activity increases. Infrared scanning also continues on Fort Frances 15 to identify areas requiring additional helicopter support. Ontario’s published information continues to list FOR014 at 51,768 hectares and FOR015 at 42,273 hectares. Cooler weather, higher relative humidity and precipitation can help reduce fire behaviour, but stronger winds may still move smoke and contribute to isolated flare-ups. Deep-burning areas can also retain heat long after surface fire activity has declined. The Implementation Order that had restricted road and lake access in the Fort Frances 14 fire area was lifted Wednesday, Aug. Roads and lakes covered by that order are again available for use. People returning to the area are being asked to stay away from active firefighting operations and provide crews and aircraft with room to work safely. The lifting of an access restriction should not be interpreted as meaning FOR014 is extinguished. The fire remained classified asnot under controlin the Aug. Residents, First Nations, tourism operators and people travelling through remote areas of Northwestern Ontario should continue checking provincial evacuation orders, alerts and implementation orders because conditions can change as fire behaviour and operational requirements change. Pilots should be aware thatNOTAMs are in effect in the areas of Thunder Bay 36 and Fort Frances 14, northeast of Byers Lake. These restrictions are in addition to the standard Canadian aviation rules governing flight near forest wildfires. Section 601.15 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations prohibits unauthorized aircraft from operating over a forest fire area, or withinfive nautical milesof a forest fire, at less than3,000 feet above ground level. Aircraft are also prohibited from entering airspace described in a forest-fire NOTAM unless an applicable exception or authorization applies. That restriction is particularly major in Northwestern Ontario, where helicopters, waterbombers and other aircraft may be operating at low altitude in difficult conditions. Unauthorized aircraft — including recreational aviation — can interfere with suppression operations and create serious risks for firefighting crews. Pilots should consult current NAV CANADA flight-planning information before operating near any active forest fire. A provincialRestricted Fire Zone remains in effect across the Northwest Fire Region and a small portion of the Northeast Region. The restriction took effect July 15 at 12:01 a.m. because of high to extreme fire hazard, increased forest fire activity and the overall number of blazes requiring provincial resources. Under a Restricted Fire Zone, outdoor blazes are prohibited unless a specific exemption or authorization applies. Ontario says the prohibition includes grass blazes, debris burning and campfires, including blazes in outdoor fire grates, fireplaces and fire pits. The restriction is aimed at preventing human-caused wildfires while provincial crews and aircraft remain committed to existing incidents. For Northwestern Ontario residents and visitors, that means checking the rules before heading to camp, travelling into the backcountry or conducting work that could create an ignition source. Municipal restrictions may also apply. Rain, lower temperatures and higher humidity can substantially reduce short-term forest fire intensity, giving ground crews an opportunity to strengthen control lines, extinguish hot spots and move supplies into areas that were previously difficult to work safely. However, the enormous size of blazes such as THU036 means suppression and monitoring can continue long after dramatic fire behaviour subsides. For Northwestern Ontario, persistent large blazes can affect aviation, forestry and resource operations, recreational access, tourism and transportation corridors. Smoke can also travel considerable distances from the actual fire perimeter, meaning communities far from an active fire may still experience hazy conditions. The ongoing use of crews from other provinces and Mexico also demonstrates the scale of the 2026 response and the importance of mutual assistance during periods of intense blaze activity. Anyone who spots a wildland firenorth of the French and Mattawa riversshould call310-FIRE (3473). For a wildland fire south of the French or Mattawa rivers, call911. People across the city and Northwestern Ontario should continue monitoring Ontario’s official forest fire information and interactive fire map for changing fire locations, danger ratings, evacuation information and restrictions..

Community members are encouraged to stay informed and share this information with friends and family. Following trusted local news sources helps ensure everyone stays up to date with events and announcements affecting Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.

🔗 Read the original report from NetNewsLedger

For more local news, weather, sports, events, and community updates across Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, visit ThunderBay.Online — your trusted source for everything happening in the region.

📍 Source: NetNewsLedger · By: NetNewsLedger Staff · 🗓️ August 16, 2026 · 🏠 ThunderBay.Online