Quebec expands open fire ban as risk rises in southern regions
Posted October 17, 2025 5:29 pm.
Quebec’s Ministry of Public Security is expanding its ban on open fires in or near forested areas as warm, dry conditions continue to elevate the risk of wildfires in southern parts of the province.
The ministry says the measure, taken in collaboration with Quebec’s forest fire protection agency (SOPFEU), takes effect Friday at 6 p.m.
The ban now covers most of southern Quebec, including Centre-du-Québec, Estrie, the Lanaudière, Laurentians, Laval, Montérégie, Montreal and Outaouais.
The ministry says the expanded restriction aims to reduce the risk of new fires at a time when conditions remain unusually dry for mid-October.
The affected zones are detailed on the Partenariat Données Québec website, where a map of the territories under restriction has been posted.
As of Friday, 11 fires are burning across the province.
Since the start of the season, Quebec has recorded 487 forest fires, burning about 1,230 hectares. Below the 10-year average in area burned, but above average in number of fires.
SOPFEU says most of the recent blazes have been concentrated in the southwest, from Pontiac to Montreal’s North Shore, where the fire danger index remains high to extreme.
Nearly all fires this month, 99 per cent, were caused by human activity, according to the agency.
Officials are reminding the public that it is forbidden to set or maintain an open fire in or near a forest, or to be near an active one. Anyone who disobeys the order can face fines under Quebec’s Fire Safety Act.
The ministry says the cooperation of residents remains essential as crews continue to monitor conditions.
