THUNDER BAY, ON - July 17, 2012 ---- The day started early for FireRangers with the first confirmed fire being 
recorded at 8:53am central. Since then it has been non-stop across the region dealing with new fire starts and active fires. Every district in northwestern Ontario had new fires start by the evening of July 14, 2012.
There were 13 new forest fires confirmed in the Northwest Region by the time this report was prepared July 14 and more reports were coming in. On July 13, there were a total of 21 new confirmed fires.
The Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services program would like to thank the pubic for their ongoing use of 310-FIRE (3473) the forest fire reporting hotline for Ontario. The quick response to new fires in northwestern Ontario is due in part of the proper use of this emergency hotline.
Precipitation is in the forecast in the form of isolated thunderstorms. A concern remains that these thunderstorms will bring lightning. All of northwestern Ontario is susceptible to lightning strikes that could potential ignite new fires. Until the rain in recorded in the metre, the Ontario Fire Program will continue to ramp up response and suppression efforts.
Fires to date in northwestern Ontario: 332
Total hectares burnt to date in northwestern Ontario: 3510.5ha
FIRES OF NOTE FOR July 14, 2012
Red Lake fire 38 is located in Woodland Caribou Provincial Park and is currently estimated at 934ha. This was a lightning-caused fire that was confirmed on July 11, 2012. FireRangers set-up values protection equipment on Hammerhead Lake, Hansen Lake, Glen Lake and Domain Lake as a precautionary measure; currently, none of these values are threatened by the fire. Parts of this fire received 6mm of rain last night.
Red Lake fire 39 is currently estimated at 65.0ha and was a human-caused fire. This fire was confirmed July 12, 2012. FireRangers, air attack and heavy equipment operators continue to suppress this fire. This fire is southeast of Trout Lake.
Red Lake fire 41is estimated at 40.0ha in size and located east of Koocheching First Nation community. This fire was confirmed July 12, 2012 and is classed as Not Under Control. A response to this fire is being coordinated out of the Red Lake Fire Management Headquarters.
Red Lake fire 49 is estimated at 15ha and is located slightly south east of Deer Lake First Nation community. This is a lightning-caused fire confirmed in the afternoon of July 14, 2012.
Sioux Lookout Fire 47 is currently estimated at 457.7ha and is located on the southwest border of Wabakimi Provincial Park. This fire was a lightning-caused fire, confirmed July 12, 2012. SLK 47 is now a part of a cluster of fires that will be handled through the Thunder Bay Fire Management Headquarters. This cluster of fires includes Thunder Bay fires 29, 32, 34, 35, 37, 38, 39, 40 and SLK 47. This cluster will be closely monitored by the assigned Incident Commander.
Nipigon fire 32 is currently estimated at 50ha and is located west of Kaigianagami Lake, northwest of Ogoki Forward Attack Base. This lightning-caused fire was confirmed July 11, 2012. FireRangers are working hard at trying to get this fire under control. This fire in particular is burning deep in to the ground making it difficult for FireRangers to suppress.
Nipigon fire 40 is northwest of Marten Falls First Nation and estimated at 250.0ha. This was a lightning-caused fire was confirmed July 13, 2012. An Incident Commander from the Greenstone Fire Management Headquarters has assessed this fire and is preparing an action plan. It currently is not threatening the community of Marten Falls.
For a map of the active fires
check this link.