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It's official: no campfires, fireworks or the use of equipment that can produce sparks or embers.
Wildfire activity remains extremely high across northern Quebec, with nearly 190 active wildfires burning in the Nord-du-Québec and Côte-Nord regions, according to SOPFEU.
To reduce the risk of new forest fires in Quebec, preventive measures and restrictions are introduced when weather and forest conditions increase the likelihood of wildfires.
These measures help limit fires caused by human activity and ensure that firefighting teams have the resources needed to respond effectively to active wildfires. Restrictions may apply to both industries and the public and vary depending on wildfire conditions and regional risks.
The Quebec wildfire agency says the ongoing wildfire outbreak has been fuelled by weeks of unusually dry weather caused by a significant rainfall deficit, particularly in northwestern Quebec.
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Are there fires burning in Canada right now?
There are hundreds of active wildfires currently burning across Canada. The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) and the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System report over 800 fires active nationwide since the start of the season
In Quebec, most of the wildfires were ignited by dry lightning associated with recent thunderstorms.
As the Quebec wildfires continue to spread, SOPFEU has launched a large-scale firefighting operation to protect communities, critical infrastructure and forested areas.
Nearly 900 personnel are currently mobilized, including wildfire crews, operational staff and three incident management teams based in Radisson, at kilometre 381 on the Billy-Diamond Highway and in Fermont.
To support firefighting efforts, SOPFEU has deployed 11 water bombers and 48 helicopters for aerial suppression, transporting firefighters and equipment, and monitoring wildfire activity.
With wildfire conditions remaining severe, Quebec has requested additional firefighting resources from across Canada.
So far, 63 firefighters from British Columbia, 21 from New Brunswick and 17 from Prince Edward Island have arrived to reinforce the province's 626 Quebec wildfire and auxiliary firefighters already battling the fires.
More reinforcements are expected on July 8, when approximately 100 additional firefighters from Alberta and British Columbia are scheduled to arrive.
Alberta will also provide a 17-member incident management team, along with six water bombers and one bird-dog aircraft, further strengthening Quebec's response as crews continue working to contain the active wildfires.
What does a ban on open fires mean?
Open fires that burn freely or pose a risk of spreading uncontrollably are prohibited. This includes campfires, fireworks and the use of equipment that can produce sparks or embers.
Fires contained within approved installations equipped with spark arresters and located on mineral soil are still permitted. Residents should also check local municipal regulations, as some municipalities may have stricter fire restrictions in place.
For more information about SOPFEU, click here.
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