Quebec is broadening its prohibition on open fires in many areas of the province and imposing restrictions on accessing certain forests to minimize the threat of wildfires. Approximately 200 wildfires are currently active in Quebec, with the majority located in the northern regions. The ban on open fires is in effect in sections of various regions including Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Capitale-Nationale, Côte-Nord, Lanaudière, Laurentides, Mauricie, Nord-du-Québec, Outaouais, and Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.
Moreover, a forest access and traffic restriction is in place in parts of Jamésie, which includes the Eeyou Istchee James Bay territory, as well as segments of Témiscamingue. This initiative aims to safeguard public safety and mitigate the potential for further wildfires, as stated by the province’s Domestic Security Ministry. SOPFEU, Quebec’s forest fire protection organization, has welcomed additional support from firefighters hailing from New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and British Columbia, who recently arrived in Quebec to aid in firefighting efforts.