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Red Lake Fire 77, which could lead to the evacuation of Madsen and Red Lake, has grown to 23,404 hectares and is listed as "not under control."
Chris Marchand, Fire Information Officer with the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, offered an update on Red Lake Fire 77.
"That fire really hasn't advanced towards the community in any significant way in a number of days," note Marchand.
Red Lake Fire 77 is approximately 28 kilometres west/northwest of Madsen and is located approximately 33 kilometres west of Red Lake.
Municipal fire crews along with those from the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry are working to protect the community and critical infrastructure. A total of 30 pieces of heavy equipment and their operators have been engaged in building approximately 40 kilometres of fire guard in strategic areas.
"Red Lake Fire Management Headquarters has been quite busy dealing with clusters of new fires that have emerged much closer to the community," added Marchand.
Three fires are burning south of the Red Lake area, which includes Red Lake 124 (17 hectares) and Red Lake 145 (1.7 hectares) are being held. Red Lake Fire 148 (1 hectare) is under control.
The wildland fire hazard is high to extreme in the southern Nipigon and Thunder Bay districts as well as areas of Red Lake, Dryden, and Sioux Lookout districts. The rest of the region is low to moderate following scattered amounts of rain.