The Kenora 20 Wildfire Reforestation Project
Project Overview
This project is taking place in the Kenora Forest, managed by Miisun Integrated Resource Management and Miitigoog LP—a First Nations-led organization co-owned by:
- Wabaseemoong First Nation
- Naotkamegwanning First Nation
- Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation
- Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation
- Northwest Angle #33 First Nation
- Shoal Lake #40 First Nation
- Anishnabeg of Naongashing First Nation
- Wabauskang First Nation
Kenora 20 Timeline
In early May, the Kenora 20 wildfire in northwestern Ontario burned 36,043 hectares of land, making it the largest wildfire in Ontario in 2025.
May 12, 2025
Wildfire Reported
The wildfire is reported in Ingolf, Ontario and emergency responders are deployed by the Ministry of Natural Resources. (Image credit: Ontario Provincial Police - Northwest Region)
May 13, 2025
Evacuation Order
An evacuation order for Wabaseemoong is issued, as the fire is rapidly increasing in size. 850 members of the local community are evacuated and taken to Niagara Falls.
May 14, 2025
Rapid Growth
The wildfire reaches 23,281 hectares in just two days. Over the next week, over 150 firefighters, supported by helicopters and CL-415 water bombers are deployed, providing air attack on the parts of the fire closest to the community. Structural protection crews are working in Wabaseemoong, setting up sprinkler systems on critical infrastructure and other priority structures within the community. (Image credit: CBC News)
May 20, 2025
Growth Slows
The wildfire reaches 30,999 hectares. The pace of growth has slowed as work to suppress the fire continues. (Image credit: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources)
May 22, 2025
Firefighting Successful
The wildfire reaches 31,276 hectares, indicating that firefighting efforts are successful. The crews, however, continue to monitor the fire area for hot spots and it is still unsafe for residents to return.
June 13, 2025
Orders Lifted
Evacuation and restricted access orders are lifted and residents are permitted to return to their homes.
October 2025
Our Site Assessment
Our crews perform their first site assessment, observing conditions by walking the land and flying a drone. We notice a wide variability across the burned area in terms of severity and long-term damage. During this assessment, we determine which areas will be reforested and which areas will be left for natural regeneration.
Summer 2026
Tree Planting Begins
Species to be planted
In the summer of 2026 our crews will plant 471,600 trees by hand on two selected sites in the Kenora forest. Cones have been collected from the Kenora Forest and we will be planting the following tree species:
Red Pine
Red pine thrives in well-drained sandy soils and full sun conditions.
Jack Pine
Jack pine thrives in sandy soils and areas with lots of sun.
White Spruce
White spruce is best suited for rich soils and shady areas.
Contact us
For more information, or to discuss a wildfire reforestation project of your own, please fill out the form below or contact monica@integrity-reforestation.com.
