CALEB NICKERSON

PONTIAC April 23, 2020

The Société de protection des fôrets contre le feu (SOPFEU) enacted a province wide ban on open fires in or near forests on April 23. The declaration was made due the loss of snow cover in many parts of the region and across the south of the province.

In a press release, SOPFEU noted that they were aiming to limit the risk to municipal fire departments during the current pandemic. Those caught breaking the law can face large fines.

Several municipalities have already declared their own fire bans.

There are currently no ongoing fires in the province, and the total for this year’s protective season (15 fires affecting 4.5 hectares) is well below the average at this time of year for the last decade (28 fires affecting 15.1 hectares).