The Cree community of Mistissini could be evacuated in the next few hours due to forest fires in the north of the province. Not far from there, Chapais remains on the alert for the moment, but does not yet order its citizens to leave the city.
“We are asking to evacuate Mistissini today. There is a risk. We will take the time to do it right. […] We continue to have a risk of fire spreading in Abitibi. We continue to keep Normetal evacuated. There is also Senneterre where we are starting to carry out evacuations, ”said Premier François Legault during a press briefing on Wednesday.
Some 4,000 people live in the community of Mistissini. Including the 11,000 people already evacuated, the total could therefore rise to 15,000 or 16,000 people.
“We are discussing the various alternatives with the chief of the Crees over there. We should be able to announce that in the next few hours, because we want to make sure that the plan also suits the Cree community, ”also mentioned Mr. Legault about the evacuation in Mistissini. .
He also added that it was very important that the evacuees from Lebel-sur-Quévillon do not return home. “I want to make a clarification: there is the Nordic Kraft factory, where there is a lot of fuel oil. It is very important that people do not return to Lebel-sur-Quévillon,” he said.
“Everything is ready” in Chapais
Almost simultaneously, about 130 kilometers from Mistissini, the mayor of Chapais, Isabelle Lessard, indicated in a press briefing that “everything is ready” to evacuate, without however giving the formal order. If the latter materializes, it is Saint-Félicien which should welcome the majority of the citizens of Chapais, has also indicated François Legault.
If we have to leave and evacuate, everything will be ready. There will be transportation for people who don’t have a car and a shelter for those who don’t have a place. We won’t have to worry.
Isabelle Lessard, Mayor of Chapais
However, according to him, “the fire is still far from the mandatory evacuation limit line”. “But access to essential services may come into play during the day. That’s why we ask you to stay on the lookout, “said Mr.me Lessard.
She also indicated that residents of other municipalities located to the north are being evacuated and could therefore pass through Chapais. “There, we will see these people pass. Don’t panic, these people have no choice but to come through here to evacuate, so it’s normal, there’s going to be more traffic,” she said.
If Chapais is to be evacuated, however, a protocol will have to be followed, said the mayor. “The only option to leave the city is at Route 167 towards Lac-Saint-Jean. This will be where we will have to leave if necessary, ”she said, recalling that Route 113 is still closed.
A partial evacuation of Chapais had already taken place last week, when 400 residents had been ordered to leave the city. “Already, there are people who made the decision to leave yesterday and today, and that’s perfect. Even if the mandatory notice was not given, some preferred to leave to reassure themselves or to go for a few days with the family in less stress. You have every right to do so,” concluded Ms.me Lessard.