The fire, which is ravaging hundreds of hectares on the outskirts of Normétal in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, is dangerously close to the homes of the community of around 800 people.
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The fire had progressed further on Wednesday evening due to the winds, the spokesman for the MRC d’Abitibi-Ouest told our colleague Yves Poirier.
“The fire has progressed further today due to the wind. We drove from almost 4 km to about 500 meters from the community. Heavy fighting broke out early in the evening, with air tanker raids to keep the fire at bay and protect homes. Teams from different fire departments will be on site all night to spray the village core. It’s hard work with dedicated volunteers to save their village. A solidarity of the people of Abitibi-Ouest who are closely linked,” said Denis Beauregard.
While the weather forecast for the region is not favorable, an entire community is holding its breath at the rapid spread of the flames.
Route 117 in the Vérendrye wildlife reserve is also threatened by forest fires.
The cities of Senneterre and Lebel-sur-Quévillon are also on alert.