The precipitation deficit in northwestern Quebec, where numerous forest fires have been raging for several weeks, has now reached more than a month compared to seasonal averages.
The last significant precipitation was recorded at the beginning of May, said Environment Canada meteorologist Jean-Philippe Bégin in an interview.
“Since May 5, there has been no significant precipitation in northern and western Quebec,” he said. At that time, we were still in a period of flooding, we were happy to see a period of ten days without precipitation dawning. »
The shortfall since corresponds to an entire month of precipitation, he adds, and this deficit could increase during the weekend.
“In the short term, we are not expecting any rain, there is no uncertainty at this level, adds Mr. Bégin. We are monitoring the progression of a cold front on Saturday, which will bring a slight drop in temperatures, but also the risk of thunderstorms. »
Given the unpredictability of lightning, it is possible that new fires will break out during the weekend, he fears.
In a technical briefing for the attention of the media, Thursday morning, the Society for the Protection of Forests against Fire (SOPFEU) indicated that it was fighting another 104 fires, including 80 in the intensive zone. A total of 21 fires are considered out of control.
“The prevailing weather situation is exceptional,” said Katia Petit, Associate Deputy Minister for Civil Security and Fire Safety at the Quebec Ministry of Public Security. We are talking about a very serious drought. »
The authorities and emergency services will remain mobilized during the long weekend, especially since no precipitation is expected for a few more days.
The rain expected early next week could therefore play a major role in the fight against forest fires.
“According to the latest data, the precipitation that we could receive between Monday and Wednesday in northwestern Quebec, it could be the most significant precipitation for more than a month,” said Mr. Bégin.
Bad air quality
Environment Canada issued a special air quality bulletin early Thursday on the entire northern part of the province, stating that due to forest fires, “high concentrations of fine particulates are causing poor air quality air”, for the next few days.
A smog warning is also in effect in the Ville-Marie sector, in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, and in northeastern Ontario.
In Jamésie, where several fires are still raging, the smoke is perceptible in the air. On the SOPFEU Facebook page, spokesperson Audrey Marcoux explains that this phenomenon, called temperature inversion, occurs when the air temperature increases with altitude, which prevents a mass of fresh air below to join the atmosphere.
“The air above the smoke cloud creates a smoke blockage at ground level. As long as the temperature inversion is present, the behavior of our fires will be relatively calm. It’s a bit as if they were deprived of oxygen, ”wrote the spokesperson, adding that the phenomenon could repeat itself in the coming days.
“The amount of smoke could make tanker interventions and field work difficult,” said SOPFEU Deputy Director General Julie Coupal.
This recalls the ban on open fires, which includes fireworks, in effect for the entire north shore of the province, despite the National Day festivities.
“Compliance with the restrictions in force is essential in the coming days. SOPFEU cannot afford to divert its attention from active fires. Additional man-made fires must not be added, ”she warned.
Pre-evacuation in Lebel-sur-Quévillon
In Lebel-sur-Quévillon, where the situation has been critical for three weeks, the pre-evacuation alert is still in effect.
Some had been able to return to their homes from last Sunday – a return which was only short-lived since they were asked to leave the municipality again and to bring their pets with them, if necessary. .
According to SOPFEU, about 500 residents are still at home today.
“The winds are pushing the smoke towards the city and the conditions will continue to be very intense until Sunday,” said Mayor Guy Lafrenière, who invites those who are still at home to stay inside.
A refreshment area has been set up at the Maison des jeunes for citizens who are inconvenienced by the smoke. The place will be open between noon and 6 p.m.
“We are still expecting rain on Monday and Tuesday, which will greatly help us,” said the elected official.
Mme Petit said that normally, Lebel-sur-Quévillon receives close to 95 millimeters of rain in June. This year, precipitation has not yet totaled 8 millimeters since the beginning of the month.
An evacuation pre-alert is also in effect in Val-Paradis.
The PQ’s turn to demand an aid program
Like the Bloc Québécois, which on Wednesday called for the establishment of an assistance program for the forest industry, the members of the Parti Québécois also want Quebec to loosen the purse strings to support workers and businesses. affected by the fires.
The PQ demands are essentially the same as those of the federal party, namely the reimbursement of insurance deductibles for damaged machinery and a loan guarantee for the replacement of equipment.
“Everyone has been crossing their fingers for several weeks for the fires to finally stop. We were taken by surprise this year and this will have major consequences for the development of our forest, hence the need for the government to compensate for part of the losses incurred by several SMEs so far, “said in a press release. the MP for Matane-Matapédia, Pascal Bérubé.
“We already know that for those whose machinery has burned down, tens of thousands of dollars in insurance deductibles will have to be paid and this jeopardizes their ability to return to the forest. I think the government should help them by covering the franchise. »
In the afternoon, the federal Minister of Natural Resources, Jonathan Wilkinson, and his colleague Bill Blair, Minister of Emergency Preparedness, will hold a press conference with David L. Cohen, Ambassador of the United States to Canada, to update on the fire situation.