Quebec, Canada – The Minister of Public Security sounded the alarm on Saturday morning, revealing that the current weather conditions in Quebec could exacerbate existing forest fires and ignite new ones. In a statement issued by the ministry, it was disclosed that the flammability index, a key indicator of burning risk, fluctuates between “very high” and “extreme” across several regions of the province, reports the Montreal Gazette . Insufficient rainfall coupled with a surge in temperature has significantly heightened the danger of forest fires.
Abitibi-Témiscamingue, the North Shore, northern Quebec, and Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean are among the regions under close surveillance due to their vulnerable situation. Quebec’s formidable forest fire agency, SOPFEU, is presently combatting 81 fires within the province, with a staggering 25 fires spiraling out of control. The agency has prioritized its efforts toward extinguishing 43 of these fires.
Over the past few days, numerous municipalities have been forced to evacuate, including certain areas of Senneterre, a city located in the northwestern region. The evacuation order encompassed 60 rural cottages situated approximately 30 kilometers north of the city center. Subsequently, evacuation orders were also issued for select sectors of Beaucanton, Val-Paradis, and Lac Pajegasque in the northwestern part of the province.
In a compelling development, more than 3,800 residents of Mistissini, located northeast of Chibougamau, were compelled to evacuate their community on Friday morning, seeking refuge in Saguenay.
Meanwhile, in Lebel-sur-Quévillon, an evacuation order was declared on Thursday evening after two fires threatened one of the municipality’s crucial road connections to the rest of the province. Mayor Guy Lafrenière, in a video posted on Facebook, confirmed on Saturday morning that one of the fires, identified as fire 256, had stabilized. Lafrenière further revealed that SOPFEU had diligently worked to redirect the course of the second fire, which continues to burn east of the municipality. With a note of optimism, he expressed hope that the expected precipitation in Lebel-sur-Quévillon, forecasted for Tuesday or Wednesday, would bring favorable news for the affected residents.
In an encouraging update, Senneterre’s emergency coordinator, Marilyne Fournier, stated during a news conference on Saturday afternoon that new evacuation orders were not anticipated in the coming days. She remarked, “While I cannot provide an absolute guarantee against evacuations, it is currently not a prevailing concern for us.”
Echoing this sentiment, Mayor Nathalie Ann Pelchat of Senneterre emphasized the city’s precarious air quality, urging residents to remain indoors. She reiterated SOPFEU’s fire ban and advised citizens to celebrate the Fête nationale safely within the confines of their homes.
Adding to the worrisome situation, Environment Canada issued several smog warnings and air quality statements on Saturday morning, encompassing most regions in Quebec, excluding areas along the St. Lawrence Valley. Minister of Public Security François Bonnardel acknowledged, “A plume of fine particles, at concentrations ranging from high to very high, will persist and affect regions along the North Shore, in Gaspésie, northern Quebec, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, and Terres-cries-de-la-Baie-James.”
Highlighting the potential health risks, Environment Canada cautioned that wildfire smoke could have detrimental effects, even at low concentrations, on individuals’ well-being. The federal agency recommended adopting precautionary measures such as reducing physical exertion if discomfort while breathing arises, utilizing respiratory masks such as N95 masks, and minimizing sources of indoor air pollution.
It is crucial to note that individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiac conditions, the elderly, children, pregnant women, and outdoor workers are particularly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of forest fire smoke, as cautioned by Environment Canada.
