SOPFEU’s work is far from over, as several forest fires continue to rage in north-western Quebec.
In an interview with LCN, SOPFEU spokesman Stéphane Caron explained that the situation in Abitibi and North-du-Québec remains critical. In addition, new evacuations were announced on Friday.
After a brief lull, fires have broken out again in recent days.
“It is this week’s weather that is leading to significant dehydration and significantly increasing the intensities and speeds of spread,” explains the SOPFEU spokesman.
Deployed teams are currently working on the forest edges to contain the spread of the flames to communities.
“We do a lot of work to protect these communities,” says Mr. Caron.
The weekend promises not to be easy as hot and dry weather is expected to continue in the sectors affected by the fires.
“We haven’t left the inn yet because rain is only announced for Monday or Tuesday,” says Stéphane Caron.
Sufficient rainfall is needed to help SOPFEU protect the population and bring the fires under control, warns Mr. Caron. And even if the expected rain does fall, we must not be too quick to announce victory.
“Fires that will be contained if not fully extinguished before another dry spell hits.” […] They can be reborn from their ashes,” he mentions.
To see the full interview, watch the video above.