Several forest fires resumed “some vigor” Monday in Quebec, according to the Society for the Protection of Forests against Fire (SOPFEU), which hopes that the rain expected in several regions on Tuesday will calm the intensity of the fires.
In a message posted on Facebook Monday evening, SOPFEU explained that this renewed energy of the flames was caused by “weather conditions”.
“Fire behaviors showing higher intensities than in the last few days have been observed, both on the Côte-Nord fires and those in northwestern Quebec. Despite everything, the operational achievements made to date have been maintained”, qualified SOPFEU.
The organization hopes that the rain expected Tuesday in the northwest of the province will calm the intensity of the fires, if the quantities are sufficient. We also hope that this calming effect will persist “for the next few days”.
However, Environment and Climate Change Canada said on Monday that an insignificant amount of rain will fall on the regions of Quebec affected by the main forest fires, but that these rains could be accompanied by lightning and could therefore start other fires.
Tuesday morning, there were still 127 forest fires in Quebec, including 15 in the northern zone. A little less than forty of them were still not under control.
A sign that the situation seems to be improving despite everything, the residents of Chibougamau and other municipalities were able to start returning to their homes on Monday. In Chibougamau, 3,000 people had returned to the municipality around 3 p.m. Monday, aboard 1,000 vehicles. The Sûreté du Québec will be back on the ground on Tuesday to facilitate the movement of citizens.
As for international reinforcements, a first wave of firefighters from the United States should arrive in Val-d’Or, in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, on Tuesday. They will be joined by a second group on Wednesday, for a total of 100 wildland firefighters.
The Minister of Public Security, François Bonnardel, will hold another press briefing on Tuesday morning to present the most recent report on the situation of forest fires in Quebec. He will speak at 10:30 a.m. from Montreal.