Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services has confirmed five new wildland fires in the Northwest Region as of Monday, June 1, with multiple blazes burning near rail corridors west of Arms.
Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services has confirmed five new wildland fires in the Northwest Region as of Monday, June 1, with multiple blazes burning near rail corridors west of Armstrong and another northeast of Poplar Hill First Nation. With 11 active fires burning across the region, six remain classified as not under control.
Among the new fires, Thunder Bay 20 (THU020) is located near a rail corridor approximately 53 kilometres west of Armstrong and is listed at 10 hectares. Thunder Bay 19 (THU019) is situated about 33 kilometres west of Armstrong along another rail corridor, at one hectare. Thunder Bay 18 (THU018) is burning adjacent to the Matawin River, approximately 2.7 kilometres east of Sistonen’s Corner, at 0.1 hectares. Red Lake 6 (RED006) is located roughly 14 kilometres northeast of Poplar Hill First Nation and is listed at 40 hectares.
The regional wildland fire hazard map shows broad areas of high hazard across Northwestern Ontario, with red zones indicating extreme conditions stretching from Sudbury in the east to Dryden in the west. Officials warn that outdoor burning can become dangerous quickly under these conditions.
The fires near rail corridors west of Armstrong are especially significant because rail lines through Northwestern Ontario are part of the national freight network, carrying goods, fuel, forest products and other materials between Eastern and Western Canada. Fires near rail infrastructure can trigger slowdowns or emergency access challenges.
Residents are encouraged to avoid burning yard waste or woody debris where possible and to use alternatives such as composting or local landfill services. Where burning is allowed, fires must be ignited no sooner than two hours before sunset and extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise.
To report a wildland fire north of the French and Mattawa rivers, call 310-FIRE (3473). For fires south of the French or Mattawa rivers, call 911.
With 11 active fires burning across the Northwest Region and extreme fire danger stretching from Sudbury to Dryden, officials urge residents to exercise extreme caution.
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 / Ontario MNRF
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📍 Source: NetNewsLedger / Ontario MNRF · By: Staff Report · 🗓️ June 1, 2026 · 🏠 ThunderBay.Online
