Lightning ignites several fires in northern Quebec

A fire map of Quebec. (SOPFEU)

Dozens of fires are burning in Quebec’s northern regions, with the Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU) calling the conditions “unstable.”

“Several forest fires are currently active in this area, all of which were caused by lightning,” it said. “SOPFEU monitors and maps the evolution of all fires, and interventions are prioritized when a fire threatens human life, a community or strategic infrastructure.”

As such, SOPFEU is asking the public to exercise caution when lighting campfires and fireworks or engaging in activities that could lead to forest fires.

• READ MORE: Ban on open fires issued in northwestern Quebec

Additionally, the Nord-du-Québec, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean and Côte-Nord areas have a complete ban on open fires, including the use of equipment that produces sparks or embers.

“To avoid the ignition of new forest fires, preventive measures and restrictions are put in place when conditions become conducive to the outbreak of fires,” SOPFEU notes. “Such measures make it possible to reduce the risks linked to human activities and to preserve sufficient operational capacity to effectively combat ongoing fires.”

As of Monday morning, SOPFEU is recording four out-of-control fires, four new blazes and 10 that are being held or are under control in its intensive protection zone.

An additional 223 have been extinguished.

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Of the 18 active fires in this zone, 11 are in the Nord-du-Québec, three are in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, and two are in Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Côte-Nord, respectively.

So far, 6,869.3 hectares of land have burned compared to the 10-year average of 117,463.7.

In the Nordic area, north of the intensive protection zone, there are 82 active fires, with three out of control and three new blazes.

One is being held, and none are under control, but 50 are under observation, 25 are being recorded, and 19 have been extinguished.

Of the active fires in this region, 70 are in the Nord-du-Québec, 11 are in the Côte-Nord, and 1 is in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.

• READ MORE: Quebec’s 2023 wildfires cost more than $8 billion, displaced 27,000 people

So far, 68,873.1 hectares of land have burned in comparison to the 10-year average of 239,029.7.

Quebec’s preparedness level is currently at a three, “characterized by increasingly demanding conditions. Wildfire risk ranges from moderate to high, and several fires may be active or expected. Crews are fully engaged, but additional resources may occasionally be required to sustain operations.”