(Montreal) Representatives of Public Security and the Society for the Protection of Forests Against Fire (SOPFEU) will provide an update Sunday morning on the status of forest fires in Quebec.
The progression of these fires seems to be slowing down in several regions of Quebec, but the air quality remains a concern in several regions of the province.
According to SOPFEU, the weather conditions of the past few days and the work of firefighters have slowed the progression of several forest fires in the regions of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Côte-Nord, Mauricie and Nord. -of Quebec.
Lebel-sur-Quévillon: uncertain situation
After an evacuation that lasted more than two weeks, the approximately 2,000 residents of Lebel-sur-Quévillon can finally begin to return to their homes as of Sunday, although a reversal of the situation could disrupt their plans.
The situation now seems uncertain in the area and Mayor Guy Lafrenière had to make an update Saturday evening, at 9 p.m., to announce that his city could be evacuated again because of fire 344 south of his municipality, which has merged with five other wildfires. Authorities said there has been little rainfall in the area and the flammability index will be high in the coming days.
“The notice of integration is maintained. However, you should know that a new evacuation notice can arise at any time,” said Mayor Lafrenière in a video posted on the municipality’s Facebook page.
When you return to Lebel-sur-Quévillon, you must be ready to evacuate again […] For people who have family or places where it is possible to stay a few more days, we advise you not to return immediately.
Guy Lafrenière, mayor of Lebel-sur-Quévillon
As for Lebel-sur-Quévillon citizens who still choose to return home, they will have to follow some of the instructions put in place for safety reasons, while firefighters are still fighting forest fires in the region.
To avoid traffic jams on Route 113, Mayor Guy Lafrenière is asking citizens arriving from Senneterre or Chibougamau to hit the road starting at 9 a.m. Sunday. The others must wait until 11 a.m. before starting their journey.
Mayor Guy Lafrenière also explained Saturday morning that only citizens will be allowed on the premises and that they will have to identify themselves at checkpoints. However, it will be permitted for a family member to help a loved one.
All services have been restored, but tap water will have to be run for at least 10 minutes before consumption.