A wildfire burning about 25.5 kilometres north of Lake Abitibi in Cochrane is still not under control, according to Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
The fire, known as Cochrane 55, is roughly 7 hectares in size and located about 3.2 kilometres southwest of Circle Lake. Two FireRanger crews are on the ground, working with air support that includes two Twin Otters, two CL-415 waterbombers, and a Bird Dog aircraft.
This fire is part of a record-breaking season in Ontario. More than 7,250 square kilometres of forest have burned across the province this year, surpassing the previous record set in 2021. As of August 12, 2026, there were 152 active wildfires, with 12 still out of control. Over 1,000 people remain evacuated from their homes.
Residents in the Cochrane area should stay aware of potential smoke impacts, as forest fire danger ratings are high to extreme. A restricted fire zone is in effect for Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, and Timmins, meaning open-air burning, including campfires, is not allowed.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has a fleet of 9 CL-415 heavy waterbombers, 6 Twin Otters, 5 Turbo Beavers, and 8 helicopters available for firefighting. The province has also committed $650 million to buy 6 new waterbombers and 5 new helicopters.
For updated information on active fires and safety, visit Ontario Forest Fires.
