The precipitation of between 15 and 40 millimeters of rain received over the past few days allows the authorities to proceed with a gradual return of residents to the municipality starting Thursday, June 29 leading to the return of all citizens on July 1.
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The mayor of the municipality, Guy Lafrenière, however, does not exclude that a third evacuation is necessary in July.
“There is a risk that these fires could come back in force in July,” he said. On the other hand, we think that it would not be realistic to wait until the fires are completely controlled [pour réintégrer les résidents].”
- Listen to the interview with Louis Pelletier, forest engineer at the microphone of Jean-François Baril via QUB-radio :
On the other hand, the temperature observed in recent days and that expected in the coming weeks allow the authorities to move forward with a return of residents.
Details regarding the residents’ gradual return home will be revealed at a press conference on Thursday at 11 a.m.
Residents of this town in Northern Quebec have been evacuated since June 22 due to the forest fires raging in the region.
This was the second fire-related evacuation for this municipality.