There will be no fireworks north of the St. Lawrence River to mark National Day, while the government has scrapped the idea of granting relaxations to certain cities less affected by wildfires.
• Also read: Forest fires and National Day: Fireworks banned north of the Saint Lawrence River
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The ban on open flames, which includes firecrackers, remains in effect throughout the north bank of the river, the office of Minister for Natural Resources and Forests Maïté Blanchette Vézina confirmed on Thursday.
On Tuesday, Ms. Blanchette Vézina urged the municipalities to “exercise extreme caution” when organizing the celebrations of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, to prevent the celebrations from contributing to aggravating the forest fire situation.
However, she had opened the door for flexibility in certain sectors, noting that SOPFEU is working on specific guidance for communities closer to the river, such as Quebec City, where the risk of fire is lower.
But the situation has not improved enough and the government is now ruling out exceptions to the rule.
Therefore, in most of the territory of Quebec, it will be a national holiday without fireworks. SOPFEU reminds you that in places where the ban applies, it is also not allowed to make campfires, light flying lanterns or use instruments that produce sparks.
However, it is possible to start fires in fireplaces that are fitted with a spark arrester and are on a dirt or gravel floor.