(Lebel-Sur-Quévillon) After several weeks of threats and evacuations caused by forest fires, the City of Lebel-sur-Quévillon lifted the local state of emergency on Thursday, which means that the municipality can resume his activities normally.
However, due to the presence at the community center of wildland firefighters, travel to the center of town may be restricted. Citizens must still make an appointment to access the Town Hall.
A few days earlier, the Nordic Kraft pulp mill, a major employer in the region, resumed its activities, shortly after a pre-start-up took place at the Comtois sawmill of Resolute Forest Products.
Three forest fires remained active on the outskirts of Lebel-sur-Quévillon on Thursday. Municipal authorities have reported that in the case of the one raging north of the city, mechanized work has been carried out around the fire in order to contain it.
Controlled burns have been successfully carried out, it is said, near the blaze which is burning south of the city. The goal of controlled burns is to eliminate available fuels so that it is easier to control the spread or progression of flames.
The behavior of the third fire is calm and authorities report that the situation remains stable.
Despite the improvement in the situation, it is still prohibited to light open fires, fireplaces with or without spark arresters, fireworks and lanterns in Lebel-sur-Quévillon. Access to the forest remains prohibited.
This week, firefighters from New Brunswick, the Yukon, the United States, France and South Korea took part in operations in northwestern Quebec.
Northwestern Quebec received rain on Thursday and Environment Canada forecast showers for Friday. The weekend promises to be generally sunny.
Smog advisories have been lifted, particularly in Val-d’Or, but Environment Canada maintains a poor air quality bulletin for Chibougamau, among others.
Friday morning, the Society for the Protection of Forests against Fire (SOPFEU) reported 140 active fires in Quebec, including 65 in the northern zone.