The dry and sunny weather indicates the worst among Quebec authorities, who fear the spread of forest fires during the year when nature is particularly vulnerable.
Also, the Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks decided to issue a notice prohibiting open fire in or near forests for almost all regions.
The measure, which takes effect over the weekend, must be respected until further notice.
This will apply to all regions of southern Quebec (Montreal, Laval, Laurentians, Lanaudière, Outaouais, Estrie, Center-du-Québec, Chaudière-Appalaches), as well as to some RCMs of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Mauricie, the Capitale-Nationale and Bas-Saint-Laurent.
Nord-du-Québec, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Côte-Nord, Gaspésie and Îles-de-la-Madeleine are not affected, according to the map of the sectors concerned, accessible on the website of the Society for the protection of forest against fire (SOPFEU) (New window).
A time that contributes to the outbreak of fire
The weather for the next few days will be particularly conducive to the outbreak of fires in vegetation on the edge of the forestwhile dead leaves, grass and branches in the ground quickly dry out and become extremely burning in the spring.
In an interview, the spokesman of SOPFEU Mélanie Morin gave the example of Mont-Tremblant, where mercury reached 17 degrees Celsius on Friday, while relative humidity was 20%.
When temperature and relative humidity approach, there can be a high risk of wildfires.he explained.
According to Ms. Morin, this time of year is more conducive to fire outbreaks than summer, when the leaves, which are more resistant to heat, also help protect the soil from sunlight.
Violators risk heavy fines
Quebec only had one active fire Friday night – an 8 -acre fire content, of Notre-Dame-du-Laus, of the Laurentians. The fire was reportedly caused by residents.
The risk is considered raised in most of Quebec. He is even very high in the Rouyn-Noranda area.
Since the start of the season, 71 forest fires have affected 76.8 acres. The average for the last ten years on the same date was 81 fires for an area of 58.8 hectares.
Under the Sustainable Forest Development Act, anyone who violates an ordinance prohibiting open fire in or near the forest is liable to fines ranging from $ 500 to $ 50,000.
Source: Radio-Canada
