State of emergency lifted in Lebel sur Quévillon
Posted July 7, 2023 10:29 am.
LEBEL-SUR-QUÉVILLON – After several weeks of threats and evacuations caused by forest fires, the town of Lebel-sur-Quévillon lifted its local state of emergency on Thursday, meaning the municipality can resume normal activities.
However, due to the presence of forest firefighters at the community center, movement within the town center may be restricted. Citizens still need to make an appointment to access City Hall.
A few days earlier, the Nordic Kraft pulp mill, a major employer in the region, resumed operations.
Three forest fires remained active on the outskirts of Lebel-sur-Quévillon on Thursday. Municipal authorities reported that in the case of the one raging north of town, mechanized work was being carried out around the fire to contain it.
Controlled burns have been successfully carried out, they say, near the fire burning south of town. The aim of controlled burns is to eliminate available combustibles so that it is easier to control the expansion or progression of the flames.
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The third fire is behaving calmly, and the authorities report that the situation remains stable.
Despite the improved situation, it is still forbidden to light open fires, fireplaces with or without spark arrestors, fireworks and lanterns in Lebel-sur-Quévillon. Access to the forest remains prohibited.
This week, firefighters from New Brunswick, the Yukon, the United States, France and South Korea took part in operations in northwestern Quebec.
Northwestern Quebec received rain on Thursday, and Environment Canada is forecasting showers on Friday. The weekend promises to be generally sunny.
Smog advisories have been lifted, notably in Val-d’Or, but Environment Canada is maintaining a poor air quality notice for Chibougamau, among others.
As of Friday morning, the Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU) reported 140 active fires in Quebec, including 65 in northern zones.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on July 7, 2023.
