The progression of forest fires is slowing in several regions of Quebec, according to the Ministry of Public Security. However, the air quality remains a concern in several regions of the province on Saturday, when several evacuated citizens return to their municipalities.
According to the Society for the Protection of Forests Against Fire (SOPFEU), 121 fires are still active in Quebec, including those located in the northern zone. SOPFEU fights 32 priority fires.
“The weather conditions of the past few days and the hard work of firefighters have slowed the progress of several fires in the regions of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Côte-Nord, Mauricie and Nord-du-Québec. “, mentioned the Ministry of Public Security in a press release on Saturday morning.
During the day of Saturday, it is expected that a plume of fine particles of moderate to low concentrations will fly over the regions of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Laurentides, Lanaudière and Outaouais, evokes the ministry. The Nord-du-Québec region is the one that will always remain the most exposed to high concentrations of fine particles.
Environment Canada has also issued a smog advisory in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Gatineau and Mont-Laurier regions. The organization particularly recommends children with asthma and people with respiratory or heart conditions not to engage in strenuous physical activity outdoors.
Sunday morning, low to moderate concentrations of fine particles are expected over Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Outaouais and the Laurentians, according to Public Security.
Preparation for the return to Lebel-sur-Quévillon
The mayor of Lebel-sur-Quévillon, Guy Lafrenière, indicated Saturday morning the procedure to follow so that the residents of the municipality can return to their homes on Sunday. He had announced the return of some 2,000 citizens evacuated on Friday.
To avoid traffic jams on Route 113, while the fire is nearby, the mayor is asking citizens currently in the territory of Senneterre or Chibougamau to hit the road starting at 9 a.m. Sunday morning.
Those outside Senneterre or south of Lebel-sur-Quévillon will be able to hit the road at 11 a.m., from the municipality of Senneterre.
Residents of Lebel-sur-Quévillon will have to prepare a document identifying all the passengers of their vehicle to hand it over to one of the two checkpoints that will be located at the entrance to the city.
On Saturday, essential workers can return to the municipality in order to prepare the city for the return of its population.
“Our traders are ready. Gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, our goods totally today (Saturday), ”said Mr. Lafrenière in a video posted on the municipality’s Facebook page on Saturday morning, specifying that these businesses as well as the pharmacy will be open. Sunday.
Residents can return to their homes thanks to fire trenches that protect the municipality and the Nordic Kraft plant, where large quantities of hydrocarbons and chemicals are stored.
However, the fire that threatens Lebel-sur-Quévillon remains a concern for the authorities. Nearly 120 American firefighters arrived as reinforcements on Friday to fight the blaze, and 140 Portuguese sappers will join them on Saturday.
In Abitibi-Témiscamingue, all residents of Normétal have been able to return to the municipality, according to the Ministry of Public Security, as have those of Senneterre.
The ban on walking in the forest is still maintained in certain sectors of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Côte-Nord, Mauricie, Nord-du-Québec and Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.