(Montreal) The intensity of forest fires has decreased in several regions of Quebec in recent days due to weather conditions, said the Ministry of Public Security in an update posted on its website Sunday morning.
According to the Society for the Protection of Forests against Fire (SOPFEU), 101 fires were still active in the province on Sunday morning, 68 of which were in the intensive zone.
“The situation now allows several communities to proceed with the reintegration of their population,” also indicated Public Security in its update. Residents of Lebel-sur-Quévillon were also able to return to their homes on Saturday.
On Sunday, the evacuation notice for the Millage 20 sector in Senneterre, in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, was however still in effect.
” Today [dimanche], air quality will be good in eastern Quebec. However, it will remain poor in Nord-du-Québec. The situation therefore remains to be monitored for vulnerable people and those who will make physical efforts outside, such as moving. The situation should gradually improve in the western part of the province and in the Outaouais”, can we also read on the website of the Ministry of Public Security.
Environment Canada has issued special weather statements regarding poor air quality in certain regions in northern Quebec, including Chibougamau and Matagami.
“High concentrations of fine particles from forest fires lead to poor air quality and reduced visibility in places. These conditions could persist for the next few days,” the federal agency said in these bulletins.
An Environment Canada warning was not in effect for the greater Montreal area Sunday morning. However, the metropolis was ranked fifth among the cities with the most air pollution in the world, according to the IQAir website.