Open fires banned in some Quebec areas

CTV News

6 days ago

A stock image of a hand holding a match with an open flame and a large fire in the background. (File photo/PamWalker68/iStockPhoto)
The northernmost regions of Quebec have been banned from open fires in or near wooded areas because of conditions conducive to forest fires.
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, the aim of this measure is to limit the risk of forest fires in the context of the return of fine weather.
Until further notice, it is therefore forbidden to light open fires in certain areas of Nord-du-Québec, Côte-Nord, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Mauricie, Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie.
The ministry points out that failure to comply with the order, which came into force at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, is punishable by a fine.
An open fire is defined as 'any fire that burns freely or has the potential to spread freely.'
Campfires, fireworks and the use of instruments capable of producing flames are prohibited. Fires lit in special facilities equipped with spark arrestors are still permitted.
There is currently only one active forest fire in Quebec -- on the North Shore, and it is under control.
However, since the start of the week, the Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU) has been issuing a 'call for vigilance' for regions in the north of the province.
In these areas, SOPFEU expects the level of forest fire danger to gradually increase from 'high' to 'extreme' over the next few days.
'In spring, dead vegetation -- such as leaves and brush -- dries out quickly under the effect of the wind and sun. They then become highly flammable. So we need to be vigilant as soon as the weather gets better,' explained SOPFEU on Tuesday on social networks.
Since the start of the protection season, 96 forest fires have affected 106.8 hectares in the intensive protection zone. The average for the last 10 years, at the same date, is 183 fires for a burnt area of 199.1 hectares.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 28, 2025.