The City of Val-d’Or announced Tuesday evening the evacuation “for an indefinite period” of three of its sectors due to a major forest fire that has once again become “out of control”.
The sectors concerned are those of Lac Gueguen, Lac Matchi-Manitou and Lac Villebon. The people who live there must evacuate the premises as of 7 p.m.
The City says it has to make this decision because of the evolution of fire 297 which would again be “out of control”, according to information sent by the Society for the Protection of Forests against Fire (SOPFEU).
According to the latter’s website, the area of this fire, located east of the city and which started on 1er June due to lightning, would now stand at 19,506 hectares. It was until very recently considered “content”.
The city of Val-d’Or warns that its fire safety service will be present at the Chimo Road exit to complete a register of evacuees. People who cannot make it to the site are still asked to register with the municipal authorities by calling 819 824-9613 ext. 0 or at the address: [email protected].
A second evacuation
“Whether you are permanent or seasonal residents (cottages or camps), you must give the names of the occupants, the address concerned by the evacuation, a telephone number, the address of the place where you are presently and the confirmation of your evacuation”, we explain.
For citizens in other sectors, the situation remains unchanged. “SOPFEU indicates that no forest fire is currently threatening the urban territory of the city of Val-d’Or”, indicates the city.
For the evacuated sectors, this is the second operation of its kind in a few weeks. On June 3, the city declared a state of emergency due to poor air quality and two uncontrolled nearby fires that forced their evacuations, in addition to the Louvicourt and Lake Wyeth areas.