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Multiple large forest fires in the region have caused smoke to linger throughout Northwestern Ontario causing poor air quality and reduced visibility.

The special air quality statement put into effect yesterday by Environment Canada continues today for the Kenora, Grassy Narrows, Whitedog, Sioux Narrows, Nestor Falls, Morson, Dryden, Vermilion Bay, Ignace and English River areas.

High temperatures, little precipitation, and many thunderstorms have caused many multiple large forest fires across Northwestern Ontario.

The extreme fire hazard and increased forest fire activity, have led the ministry to issue an Emergency Area Order across Northwestern Ontario. This order is in effect to allow the ministry to take special measures to ensure the safety of people and the protection of critical property.

The Municipality of Red Lake has released its daily fire update. Below is their update from the Municipality of Red Lake's Facebook page.

The Forest Fire conditions remain high and the risks associated with RED 077 and RED 016 continue to be a threat to our Municipality. We continue to monitor the conditions in partnership with MNRF. See the message from Mayor Fred Mota below:

Good afternoon everyone,

Update on Red Lake Fire 077 and Red Lake Fire 016

The rain that fell in the Kenora area Monday brought little to no relief to the forest fire situation in the district.

Much of the region remains under a Restricted Fire Zone at this time, including the Kenora, Fort Frances, Dryden, and Thunder Bay Districts and portions of the Sioux Lookout, Red Lake, Nipigon, and Wawa Districts as the forest fire hazard in the district remains high to extreme.

Kent Readman, Kenora's Fire Chief, reminds residents that there is no burning allowed in the area.

A number of firefighters from Kenora Fire and Emergency Services have headed to the Red Lake area to assist crews as they battle a number of wildfires near the community.

Kenora Fire Chief Kent Readman details what the Kenora crew will be doing.

"Yesterday the City of Kenora Fire and Emergency Services received a request from Red Lake Fire and MNRF to deploy resources up to Red Lake to assist with values protection," said Chief Readman.

With another couple of hot and sunny days in the forecast, residents and visitors are reminded that much of the region remains under a restricted fire zone.

This means that most fires and burning are currently prohibited.

In most cases, this includes grass, debris, and campfires, even when using an outdoor fire grate, fireplace or fire pit. Portable gas stoves may still be used BUT must be handled with extreme care.

It is a temporary measure put in place to prevent human-caused fires when the fire hazard is extreme or when firefighting resources are limited.

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Northwestern Ontario.

Daytime highs in the region over the next couple of days are expected to be in the high 20's to mid 30's, with humidex values reaching the mid-30's, with very little relief overnight as lows are expected to be in the high teens to low 20's.

A cold front will track across northwestern Ontario on Monday night or Tuesday morning which will bring a reprieve from the heat.

The restricted fire zone remains in effect as the forest fire hazard remains high to extreme across the district.

By yesterday afternoon, five new fires were discovered in the region. This includes Kenora 65, which is located on Wabaseemong Independent Nation. The fire is approximately 7 kilometres northeast of the community and is being held at 0.2 hectares.

The level of Lake of the Woods dropped slightly over the past week.

The level of Lake of the Woods fell by 1 cm (1/2 in) to 322.69 m (1058.7 ft). The level is expected to change little this week.

Lake of the Woods is currently sitting in the 15th percentile for this time of year and as a result, boaters should exercise caution while navigating the lake.

The average daily inflow is estimated to be 120 m3/s over the next 7 days. 

Lake of the Woods authorized outflow is 150 m3/s.

Kenora broke a one-year-old heat record on Saturday, based on historical weather information provided by Environment Canada.

The past record for July 3 was 32.3 C, which was set in 2020.

The mercury topped out at 33.1 C Saturday afternoon.

The heat warning continues for the region, but a cold front will track east across northwestern Ontario tonight reaching Geraldton by Monday morning bringing a reprieve from the heat.