The next few hours will be crucial in the fight against Quebec’s wildfires, while no rain is expected in affected areas before Tuesday.
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“We have major weather concerns. We have to hold out for the next 48 hours. The flammability index increases, humidity decreases, and the temperature increases. It’s a cocktail that could start new fires,” Public Security Minister François Bonnardel said at a news conference on Saturday morning.
According to the latest data from SOPFEU, 121 fires are still active on Saturday morning. Of these, 37 are classified as priority by the authorities.
Around 13,800 people are still being evacuated from their homes.
“I know there are many people who are wondering if they will be able to go home in the next few hours. The situation will be more complicated by Monday, so there is no guarantee until Tuesday,” Mr Bonnardel said.
According to the weather forecast, rain is expected in the regions affected by the forest fires on Tuesday.
Difficult in high school
Western Quebec is “the region where we have a lot more concerns,” Bonnardel said.
According to the minister, a fire would surround the commune of Normétal in particular for 24 hours. However, local authorities reiterated at a press conference a few minutes later that this was not the case.
A ditch about 10 meters wide was dug to surround the community, but the fire would only spread on the north side, according to Bruno Pelletier, director of Natural Resources and Energy Development New Brunswick.
74 forest firefighters from the Lake Province are on site to help fight the fire.
“The temperatures are mild, there is no wind, things are going very well on our side,” Pelletier said at a press conference on Saturday morning.
In Lebel-sur-Quévillon, two fires are still active near the commune. The one in the southeast is 5 km from the village and only 2 km from the NordicKraft factory.
It is currently the largest fire in all of Quebec.
“We are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. […] The fires didn’t change yesterday and we don’t expect them to change today,” said the mayor of the municipality, Guy Lafrenière.
Stable in the middle
The situation is more stable in Chibougamau, Chapais and Mistissini.
“Thanks to the winds, it is a fire that stagnates and does not grow,” said François Bonnardel at a press conference.
On Saturday morning, 861 people were on site to fight the fires, including SOPFEU firefighters, auxiliary workers or from abroad and soldiers.
Twenty air tankers are used by SOPFEU in the west and in the middle of the province.
“This is a first in Quebec history. Outside help is more than welcome. We will do everything we can,” Minister Bonnardel said.
