Oxdrift Fire Team

05/30/2026

🚨Odor Investigation🚨 29/05/2026

Firefighters were dispatched to Wainwright Township following reports of a gas odour in the area. Oxdrift Firefighters, alongside the OPP, conducted a thorough search of the area and monitored for the presence of gas using portable monitoring equipment.

No gas readings were detected and crews were unable to locate the source of the reported odour. The incident was concluded with no hazards found.

05/29/2026

🚨FIRE🚨 29/05/2026 12:36

Just after lunch today, firefighters were alerted to a small fire at the base of a hydro pole. Oxdrift Fire, MNRF Fire Rangers, and Hydro One crews responded quickly, ensuring the fire had not spread to the surrounding area and that it was fully extinguished.

We would like to recognize our MNRF Fire Rangers working tirelessly to keep our district safe during this heat warning, as well as the Hydro One crews who continue to maintain and protect the critical infrastructure our communities rely on every day.

With hot, dry conditions continuing across the region, please remain vigilant and report any signs of wildfire activity immediately.

05/25/2026

🚨FIRE🚨 24/05/2026 20:30

Last night, the Oxdrift Fire Team was alerted to an outdoor fire that had spread into a nearby wood pile. Firefighters responded quickly and were able to contain the fire to the area of origin and the wood pile. Quick-thinking neighbours also assisted in containing the fire before it could spread further.

This incident serves as an important reminder to follow all Ontario outdoor burning regulations and to always ensure you have a sufficient means to fully extinguish any outdoor fire.

05/16/2026

With dry conditions and high winds this May Long, please use extreme caution when camping or fishing this weekend!

05/15/2026

🚨FIRE X2🚨 15/05/2026 15:10

The Oxdrift Fire Team, along with other local departments, are currently experiencing an increased call volume due to ongoing weather conditions.

Oxdrift Fire has just cleared the scene of another small wildfire caused by downed trees contacting power lines during the high winds. Residents are urged to use extreme caution, as our region remains under a Special Weather Statement.

Please remember to pull over and yield to all emergency vehicles and responding volunteer firefighters. In Ontario, volunteer firefighters often use green courtesy lights while responding to emergencies — giving them the right of way can help save valuable time when seconds count.

05/15/2026

🚨FIRE🚨 15/05/2026 08:38

Oxdrift Fire was paged for a fallen tree on power lines that had caught fire. Oxdrift Fire, along with the MNRF and Hydro One, attended the scene and ensured the fire did not spread to the surrounding dry brush.

As a reminder, always treat downed wires as live wires. Stay back and contact Hydro One. If you see smoke or sparks, call 911 immediately.

05/14/2026

Great training opportunity we got to take part in.

Last evening, the MNR Dryden Fire Management Headquarters hosted an interagency wildland firefighter training night. Members from Machin Fire, Oxdrift Fire, and Dryden Fire worked alongside MNR crews to build critical skills and prepare for the upcoming wildland fire season.

These interagency relationships are essential to ensuring the safety of our communities during emergencies, and the partnerships across the Kenora District have never been stronger. Working together, training together, and supporting one another strengthens our ability to protect the people we serve.

Thank you to all agencies and personnel for your continued commitment to collaboration and community safety. On behalf of the Kenora District, we would also like to wish all our MNR Rangers a safe and successful fire season.

05/13/2026

🚨FIRE🚨 5/12/2026 18:55

Shortly before 7:00 PM this evening, the Oxdrift Fire Team was paged to a reported structure fire in Van Horne Township. Firefighters responded alongside KDSB EMS the Ontario Provincial Police and the Dryden Fire Service.

Upon arrival, crews worked quickly to bring the incident under control and ensure the safety of all occupants. Multiple pets inside the residence were affected by smoke inhalation. Firefighters, EMS personnel, a local veterinarian, and community members worked together to provide emergency medical care and oxygen to the animals on scene. One pet was transported for further veterinary care.

Thankfully, no injuries to residents or responders were reported. However, the home sustained extensive smoke damage.

The Oxdrift Fire Team would like to extend our sincere thanks to all responding volunteers, emergency personnel, the attending veterinarian, and members of the community who assisted in any way during this incident. The teamwork and compassion shown tonight were truly appreciated.

This incident also serves as an important reminder to ensure your home has working smoke alarms on every level and outside all sleeping areas. Early detection saves lives.

04/28/2026

‼️Flood Watch‼️

Dryden-Fort Frances-Atikokan District.

04/28/2026

The Oxdrift Fire Team is saddened to learn of the line-of-duty death of an Ontario Provincial Police officer from the Northumberland OPP Detachment.

While we may be separated by hundreds of kilometers, this loss is felt deeply within the first responder community.

Our thoughts are with the officer’s family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.