Several regions in Quebec hit by violent storms
Several regions of Quebec were hit by violent storms that left thousands without power as high winds tore off roofs.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBC
25 minutes ago
- CBC
Wildfire on Vancouver Island continues to grow
Social Sharing A wildfire on Vancouver Island continues to burn out of control, growing to 494 hectares as of Monday morning. The Wesley Ridge fire was discovered Thursday, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS). It is burning on the north banks of Cameron Lake, about 50 kilometres northwest of Nanaimo, B.C. The service said "challenging fire behaviour" was observed Sunday. An evacuation order is still in effect for 393 mostly residential properties in the area. The order requires residents to leave immediately. Another 238 properties are under evacuation alert, meaning residents need to be ready to leave at a moment's notice. There are 67 BCWS personnel responding to the Wesley Ridge fire, along with seven helicopters. A number of other fire departments from across Vancouver Island are also battling the blaze, and helping with structure defence, according to the latest update from the wildfire service. The service noted visibility in the area is limited due to the smokey conditions and said it will update the size of the fire as conditions permit. Dimitri Vaisius, deputy incident commander with the wildfire service, said in a communications video that crews had a "pretty successful" day on Sunday for structure protection near a number of homes. He said "night-viz" helicopters have been "extremely helpful" for identifying hot spots around structures in the night. Highway 4 remains open, but the B.C. Ministry of Transportation has warned travellers between Parksville and Port Alberni to be mindful of "potential sudden changes" that could cause delays. Traffic personnel are in place to respond "if a change or interruption to the flow of traffic on the highway is needed by the B.C. Wildfire Service as it battles the Wesley Creek blaze." For the most up-to-date information, visit DriveBC's website. The Wesley Ridge fire is suspected to be human-caused, which is how any wildfire not sparked by lightning is categorized. There are 137 active wildfires burning across the province, according to the BCWS.
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Hazardous for people to be outdoors amid poor air quality: Environment Canada
Video Environment Canada warning preparedness meteorologist Monica Vaswani on when air quality is expected to improve.
CBC
an hour ago
- CBC
Rural fire departments worried about low water levels in ponds, lakes
Social Sharing A fire captain in West Hants is concerned about the water levels in the lake that her department uses to combat fires. Jennifer Daniels of the Hantsport Fire Department says the continuing dry conditions are putting pressure on firefighters from two sides — the dryness makes it easier for fires to start and the water needed to put them out is evaporating. She said many of the usual rural water sources, like ditches, ponds and lakes, have dried up or are harder to access. "So, it makes it a little more taxing for fire departments," she said. Daniels says that firefighters have enough to worry about in an emergency without the added challenge of locating water. She said while departments closer to the coast may be able to use the ocean, it is not an option for her department. Daniels says that the Hantsport department draws water from Davidson Lake, which is at critically low levels. There is no rain in the forecast for the foreseeable future. The concern isn't isolated to West Hants. Devin d'Entremont, the fire chief of the West Pubnico Fire Department in Yarmouth County, says the ponds that his department relies on are also being affected by the lack of rain. "We have designated ponds throughout the community that are fenced off, and they're specifically for us to get water from, and they're getting low," he said. According to the Canadian Drought Monitor, Nova Scotia has abnormally dry areas, with the central region experiencing a moderate drought as of June 30. That means the province has had below-average rainfall, with much of Nova Scotia receiving less than 85 per cent of its normal precipitation. Some municipalities have issued water conservation notices and the province has issued a burn ban until October. D'Entremont said his department would have to ask neighbouring departments for water if the ponds get too low. Salt water can be used, but only if absolutely necessary. Daniels said her department would have to look for alternatives if the current situation worsens, but dry conditions are having the same effect everywhere else.
