The forest fire situation is expected to improve in western Quebec over the next few days due to the weather, so those who are still evacuated may receive “good news” shortly.
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“With the weather forecast for the next few hours, we should be able to give you good news within 24 to 48 hours,” said Public Security Minister François Bonnardel on Tuesday during a press conference in Montreal. .
But when asked whether the 7,200 people who are still evacuated will be able to return home in two days, Mr. Bonnardel replied that there are still too many “imponderables” to be able to be so categorical.
“I would like to tell everyone today that this will all be over in 48 hours, but I can’t. There are too many imponderables”, he explained, citing possible episodes of lightning or significant changes in the direction and velocity of the winds.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
What is the air quality index in your city and what are the health recommendations derived from it?
Air Quality Index (AQI US)
101-150
sensitive people
AQI: GOOD
Excellent day to be active outdoors.
AQI: MODERATE
Some people may be particularly sensitive to fine particle pollution
Particularly sensitive people: Consider reducing the duration and intensity of outdoor activities. Pay attention to symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. These are signs to slow down.
All the others : Excellent day to be active outdoors.
AQI: BAD for
sensitive people
Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, the elderly, children and adolescents, minority populations and outdoor workers.
Sensitive groups: Reduce the duration and intensity of outdoor activities. It’s okay to be active outside, but take more breaks. Pay attention to symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.
People with heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual tiredness may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare professional.
AQI: BAD
for everyone
Sensitive people: Avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities. Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors.*
All the others : Reduce the duration and intensity of activities. Take more breaks from outdoor activities.
*Note: If you don’t have an air conditioner, staying indoors with the windows closed can be dangerous in extremely hot weather. If you are hot, go to a place with air conditioning or check with your municipality to see if cooling centers are available in your community.
AQI: VERY BAD
Sensitive people: Avoid all physical activity outdoors. Postpone it to a time when the air quality is better or move activities indoors.*
All the others : Avoid prolonged or strenuous activities. Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors.*
*Note: If you don’t have an air conditioner, staying indoors with the windows closed can be dangerous in extremely hot weather. If you are hot, go to a place with air conditioning or check with your municipality to see if cooling centers are available in your community.
AQI: CRITICAL
All the others : Avoid all physical activity outdoors.
Sensitive people: Stay indoors and maintain a reduced activity level. Follow tips for keeping particulate levels low indoors.*
*Note: If you don’t have an air conditioner, staying indoors with the windows closed can be dangerous in extremely hot weather. If you are hot, go to a place with air conditioning or check with your municipality to see if cooling centers are available in your community.
Nevertheless, Quebec has given the green light to people from Beaucanton and Val-Paradis to return to their homes as of Tuesday afternoon. The citizens of Chibougamau continue to return to their homes little by little.
The biggest concerns remain in Lebel-sur-Quévillon and Normétal, where the fires continue to threaten even if they are “contained” for the moment. “The next 24 hours will be critical,” Bonnardel said.
The Minister also reminded that evacuees will be able to apply for their $1,500 financial assistance tomorrow at quebec.ca/aidesinistres.
In addition, air quality will be an issue in the coming days, particularly in Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Montreal, where there will be a “plume” of fine particles over the next 72 hours.
Tuesday morning, there were 112 active fires in Quebec, and SOPFEU teams were actively fighting 36 of them. Since the start of the fires, 751,000 hectares of forest have burned.