Quebec has decided to extend its prohibition on open fires in most areas of the province and restrict entry to certain forests to mitigate the threat of wildfires. Presently, Quebec is grappling with approximately 200 wildfires, with the majority concentrated in the northern regions of the province. The ban on open fires is now effective in various regions, including Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Capitale-Nationale, Côte-Nord, Lanaudière, Laurentides, Mauricie, Nord-du-Québec, Outaouais, and Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.
Moreover, access to forests and travel restrictions have been imposed in parts of Jamésie, encompassing the Eeyou Istchee James Bay territory, and sections of Témiscamingue. The primary goal of these measures, according to Quebec’s Domestic Security Ministry, is to safeguard public safety and diminish the likelihood of additional wildfires. SOPFEU, the organization responsible for forest fire management in Quebec, has recently welcomed additional firefighters from New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and British Columbia, who have joined the efforts to combat the ongoing wildfires in the province.