Forest fires in Chibougamau: a return home that “feels good”

Gradually returning home, most of the 7,500 residents of Chibougamau evacuated last week due to the forest fires are happy to return to their homes.

• Read also: The ban on going to the forest is lifted for central and western Quebec

• Read also: Chibougamau: the mayor stays the course for a return of the evacuees on Monday

• Read also: A premature return of evacuees to Chibougamau?

“When we descended the hill just before arriving, I had tears in my eyes. It was a very emotional moment,” says Mélanie Paradis, who has lived in the municipality “forever”.

On Sunday, Mayor Manon Cyr announced to citizens that they could return home as early as 8 a.m. Monday morning.

The information did not fall on deaf ears for many Chibougamois.

Dozens of cars lined up hours before the barrier opened at La Doré, on Route 167. Around noon, 500 people had already returned home.

“It feels good, we’ve never been so happy to come back home,” says Serge Therrien, very happy to find the cat he had to leave behind.

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

Bad

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.

Hundreds of smiles

Horns were heard everywhere as the first convoy of citizens arrived to return to the municipality, shortly after 10 a.m.

Visibly satisfied to finally be home, many had a smile that was ear to ear.

“Everyone is happy, the atmosphere is incredible. You can feel the village coming back to life,” says Alain Lachance, owner of Restaurant le Borée.

The latter had also held the fort in the last days to serve as caterer to the first aid who were on site. It should be able to open on Tuesday thanks to the arrival of its feverish employees to get back to work.

“It’s heartwarming to see everyone come back and just be in a good mood,” said M^me Heaven.

For her part, the mayor of Chibougamau was also relieved to see life resume its course even if the danger is not completely averted.

“It’s going relatively well. It’s like coming back from a long vacation, but it’s going to last two or three days. There is no cap. People are happy,” explained Manon Cyr, delighted to be able to avoid the terrible congestion at the start.

For now, the terrible fire #334 seems to be contained. “The fire is hovering in relation to our direction. I’m doing well. I’m very confident otherwise I wouldn’t have brought people back but we need rain. This summer, small fires in my yard with a BBQ, I won’t be too fond of that,” added Ms. Cyr.

– With the collaboration of TVA Nouvelles