Quebec has extended its ban on open fires in forested areas due to the ongoing risk of wildfires in the southern regions of the province. The Ministry of Public Security, in partnership with Quebec’s forest fire protection agency (SOPFEU), has implemented the measure as a precautionary step considering the warm and dry conditions prevailing in the area.
Effective from Friday at 6 p.m., the extended ban now encompasses a significant portion of southern Quebec, including Centre-du-Québec, Estrie, Lanaudière, Laurentians, Laval, Montérégie, Montreal, and Outaouais. This decision aims to minimize the chances of new fires breaking out amidst the persisting dry spell for this time of the year.
Detailed information about the restricted zones can be found on the Partenariat Données Québec website, where a map outlining the affected territories has been published. Currently, there are 11 active fires across the province, prompting authorities to urge residents to exercise caution and adhere to the fire ban measures.
Since the commencement of the season, Quebec has witnessed 487 forest fires, consuming approximately 1,230 hectares of land. While the area burned remains below the 10-year average, the number of fires is higher than usual. SOPFEU notes that most recent fires have been concentrated in the southwest region, from Pontiac to Montreal’s North Shore, where the fire risk index is rated as high to extreme.
An alarming statistic reveals that 99% of the fires this month were triggered by human activities. Officials emphasize the prohibition of setting or maintaining open fires in forested areas, or being in close proximity to an active fire. Violators of this directive may face penalties under Quebec’s Fire Safety Act, underscoring the importance of public cooperation in preventing wildfires.
