SOPFEU calls on American, French firefighters for help fighting wildfires

A journalist takes a photo of trees damaged by fire during a visit near Lebel-sur-Quevillon, Quebec, on Wednesday, July 5, 2023. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)

Dozens of American and French firefighters are arriving in Quebec as reinforcements to help SOPFEU fight the wildfires raging across the province.

As of Saturday, SOPFEU has identified more than 160 active fires, the vast majority of which are located in the northern region, north of the 50th parallel. Forest firefighters are deployed in Northern Quebec, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, and the North Shore.

“We have nearly a thousand personnel mobilized across the region,” said Léa Bédard-Beaulieu, a spokesperson for SOPFEU, who noted that the organization’s response capacity is at full capacity, despite the assistance sent by other Canadian provinces.

In addition to the dozens of firefighters from New Brunswick, Alberta, British Columbia, and Prince Edward Island who are already battling the flames in Quebec, 18 firefighters from the United States and 43 forest firefighters from France have joined the effort.

The American reinforcements arrived Friday from Maine, Connecticut, and New Hampshire under the Northeastern States Forest Fire Protection Pact, while the French firefighters are scheduled to arrive Saturday.

The latter are the result of an agreement reached with the International Forest Firefighters Unit, a private organization.

According to SOPFEU, the number of fires raging in northern Quebec is well above normal.

“The 10-year average for this time of year is 50 fires, but since the beginning of the year, we’ve had 277,” said Bédard-Beaulieu.

As for the number of fires “in the intensive protection zone,” which includes regions south of the 50th parallel, SOPFEU reports that it is within seasonal averages.

Bédard-Beaulieu reminded the public to comply with the open-fire bans currently in effect in western Quebec, which apply to Abitibi-Témiscamingue, the Outaouais, Lanaudière, the Laurentians, and Northern Quebec. The ban must be observed, even in the event of rain, the spokesperson emphasized.

“Our appeal to the public is to comply with these preventive measures, because we cannot afford to have human-caused fires added to the situation at this time. We are already at full capacity,” said Bédard-Beaulieu.

Smoke advisory

Smoke from the 200 reported forest fires in Ontario is moving toward Quebec and may affect air quality in certain regions. Environment Canada has issued a yellow alert for poor air quality in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, the Outaouais, and the southwestern part of Northern Quebec.

The agency estimates that health risks will be high on Saturday for those living in the Gatineau area. “Reduce or adjust strenuous outdoor activities. Children and seniors should also limit their activities,” according to Environment Canada’s website.

Although Montreal is not yet under a warning, Environment Canada forecasts that air quality will deteriorate throughout Saturday. High health risks are expected in the evening and overnight.

The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre reports 950 active fires across the country, 78 of which reportedly broke out on Saturday. Smoke plumes from these Canadian wildfires are also drifting south of the border and affecting air quality in more regions of the United States.

President Donald Trump even threatened on Friday to raise tariffs on Canada due to the smoke from the wildfires in Ontario.

“We are holding Canada responsible for the fact that they are not properly maintaining their Forests, and Brush therein, and the United States is being unnecessarily invaded by filthy, polluted, and unhealthy air, the quality of which is dangerous, and totally unacceptable!” the president said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on July 18, 2026.

Samira Ait Kaci Ali, The Canadian Press