CALEB NICKERSON
QUEBEC June 16, 2021
Due to the dry weather, Quebec’s forest fire fighting organization, known by the acronym SOPFEU, is advising the public that. . .
open-air fires are banned in or near forested areas in the Pontiac region, as well as most of the province.
The organization announced in a press release that the restrictions would come into effect on June 9.
As of June 14, there are 12 active forest fires across the province. There have been a total of 360 forest fires in Quebec this year, burning 7,034.2 hectares, a significant increase compared to the respective 10 year averages of 204 and 4,636.4 burnt by this point in the season.
In a press release on June 10, SOPFEU announced that they were receiving assistance from several other provinces in the form of equipment and firefighters to help out with this busier than usual season. British Columbia has sent 200 firefighters and three agency representatives, while New Brunswick has sent 20 firefighters and one agency representative. Alberta opted to contribute with equipment, sending six water bombers of various sizes and two spotter aircraft.
Further information and up to date maps of the restricted areas are available on SOPFEU’s website: sopfeu.qc.ca.
