(Montreal) The number of uncontrolled forest fires is decreasing in Quebec, but the level of flammability remains high in the north of the province and in Abitibi. For the evacuated municipalities, no reintegration of residents is planned “in the very short term”.
“I know that there are several citizens who are evacuated at the moment and who are anxious to know when they can return home,” declared the Minister of Natural Resources and Forests, Maïté Blanchette Vézina, at a conference of press on Sunday.
However, the situation remains too fragile around Lebel-sur-Quévillon, in Jamésie, and Normétal, in Abitibi-Ouest, to advance a date of return home. In Chibougamau as well, the flammability index does not allow for the safe reintegration of residents. If the evacuation notice is lifted, the return of citizens would likely be in phases, she said.
“That said, things are looking up. That’s the good news. There is a decrease in the number of out-of-control fires,” said Ms.me Blanchette Vézina, adding that Quebec is going “from reactive to offensive mode”.
Sunday morning, 118 fires are still active in the province. The number of uncontrolled fires rose to 44, down 28 from the previous day.
“It will allow us to start looking for a return to certain communities, but not in the very short term. On the other hand, we are in discussion with communities for a reintegration, possibly this week, ”said the minister.
The next two days will be decisive due to the winds and the flammability index which will remain high. The precipitation expected Tuesday across the province should, however, slow the progress of the fires.
In addition, the ban on making fires in or near the forest remains in force in several regions of Quebec. “There are analyzes that are done with the [Société de protection des forêts contre le feu] to see if there would be measures that could be reduced in certain sectors,” said Maïté Blanchette Vézina.
Stable situation in Lebel-sur-Quévillon and Senneterre
In Lebel-sur-Quévillon, in Jamésie, fire number 344 caused by lightning has not progressed for a few days. On Sunday, the weather conditions remain favorable for the municipality, assured Mayor Guy Lafrenière.
In addition, about 100 firefighters from the United States will come to lend a hand to the local teams fighting the major blaze. “The teams will arrive on June 13 and 14,” said Mr. Lafrenière. You have to be ready to receive them. Today, we are working on our plan. We did it last night. It is important to coordinate the steps well. »
Aware of the growing impatience among some evacuated citizens, the mayor recalled that authorization to return to the city would depend on the Forest Fire Protection Society and Public Security.
“To allow a return, we must ensure that the city and the factory [Nordic Kraft] are 100% safe. We must ensure that all citizens are safe,” he said.
In Senneterre, a town in Abitibi south of Lebel-sur-Quévillon, the situation is also stable, but remains unpredictable.
“We are surrounded by forest. The forest fires we have today are historic. We have never seen that in Quebec, and it will last all summer,” warned Marilyne Fournier, emergency measures coordinator for the City of Senneterre.
In order to reduce the risk of the fire spreading, citizens are invited to get rid of any combustible material or flammable product from their property.