79 forest fires in northern Quebec, 11 out of control

MONTREAL – Authorities said early Tuesday that the forest fire situation remained worrisome in Northern Quebec because 11 of the 79 fires burning are still out of control.

However, the Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU) noted that precipitation received since Sunday, as well as rising humidity levels, had helped stabilize the fires for the time being.

As of Tuesday morning, 79 fires were active in the zone north of the 51st parallel. SOPFEU reported that these fires had burned more than 2.8 million hectares.

SOPFEU added that no community or municipality was directly threatened by the flames. Forest firefighters were working to protect access roads to these communities, so that people could circulate and obtain supplies.

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Efforts were underway in Radisson to protect the airport, which remained threatened by fire. Access roads to the communities of Wemindji, Waskaganish and Eastmain also received special attention.

The same was true of the nearly 620-kilometre Billy-Diamond road linking the municipalities of Matagami and Radisson. This important road access to the James Bay region remained threatened by fire in some places.

Eleven air tankers were operating in Northern Quebec on Monday, including two based in Radisson. However, reduced visibility was making air operations difficult.

Environment Canada’s weather forecast for Tuesday called for showers and cool temperatures.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on July 18, 2023.