After the Côte-Nord and the south of Saguenay, the stability of the forest fires and the rains allow the authorities to lift the ban on going into the forest almost everywhere in central and western Quebec. Evacuees are also beginning to return home to several locations.
• Read also: SOPFEU goes into offensive mode
• Read also: Forest fires in Chibougamau: a return home that “feels good”
The assessments carried out by the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts allow the reopening of lands in the domain of the State mainly in the regions of Saguenay−Lac-Saint-Jean, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Mauricie, Outaouais, Laurentians and Lanaudière.
“This decision was taken in concert with the Ministry of Public Security and the Société de protection des forêts contre le feu due, in particular, to the weather conditions which have changed and the interventions carried out by SOPFEU to fight the fires”, indicates the office of Minister Maïté Blanchette Vézina. Thus, activities in the forest, such as fishing, can resume.
Already, last Friday, Quebec had reopened the lands south of the Saguenay and the North Shore, except for the area of the Micoua substation, near the Hydro-Quebec substation.
The precipitation had “reduced the risk of flammability.”
Other good news: the ban on lighting open fires will also be lifted for certain sectors. These will be known later this afternoon.
Improvement
“The situation is improving in many places,” said the Prime Minister Monday morning during an announcement in Jonquière.
“We should start the reintegration of the evacuees today and we should start the reintegration of the evacuees in Chibougamau, Lac-Barrière, Oujé-Bougoumou, Waswanipi, Obedjiwan and Lac-Simon. We should end the day tonight with just under 4,000 people evacuated,” he added.
Route 167 has been reopened since this morning to allow people from Chibougamau to return home.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
What is the air quality index in your city and what are the health recommendations derived from it?
Air Quality Index (AQI US)
101-150
sensitive people
AQI: GOOD
Great day to be active outdoors.
AQI: MODERATE
Some people may be particularly sensitive to fine particle pollution
Particularly sensitive people: Consider reducing the duration and intensity of outdoor activities. Pay attention to symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. These are signs to slow down.
All the others : Great day to be active outdoors.
AQI: BAD for
sensitive people
Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, the elderly, children and adolescents, minority populations and outdoor workers.
Sensitive groups: Reduce the duration and intensity of outdoor activities. It’s okay to be active outside, but take more breaks. Pay attention to symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.
People with heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual tiredness may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare professional.
AQI: BAD
for everyone
Sensitive people: Avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities. Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors.*
All the others : Reduce the duration and intensity of activities. Take more breaks from outdoor activities.
*Note: If you don’t have an air conditioner, staying indoors with the windows closed can be dangerous in extremely hot weather. If you are hot, go to a place with air conditioning or check with your municipality to see if cooling centers are available in your community.
AQI: VERY BAD
Sensitive people: Avoid all physical activity outdoors. Postpone it to a time when the air quality is better or move activities indoors.*
All the others : Avoid prolonged or strenuous activities. Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors.*
*Note: If you don’t have an air conditioner, staying indoors with the windows closed can be dangerous in extremely hot weather. If you are hot, go to a place with air conditioning or check with your municipality to see if cooling centers are available in your community.
AQI: CRITICAL
All the others : Avoid all physical activity outdoors.
Sensitive people: Stay indoors and maintain a reduced activity level. Follow tips for keeping particulate levels low indoors.*
*Note: If you don’t have an air conditioner, staying indoors with the windows closed can be dangerous in extremely hot weather. If you are hot, go to a place with air conditioning or check with your municipality to see if cooling centers are available in your community.
However, the situation remains too fragile in other places for people to be able to return to their homes in the next few hours, in particular in Lebel-sur-Quévillon, Normétal and Saint-Lambert, added the Prime Minister.
Expected rain
In Abitibi to take stock, the Minister of Public Security, François Bonnardel, reported that the fire at Normétal was contained. “The wind is favorable in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue sectors,” he said, noting that the weather forecast for the next 36 hours could help reduce the intensity of the fires.
“Even if it’s never fun in the middle of summer, we’re going to hope for a few showers, if not continuous rain.”
According to SOPFEU data, 130 fires are still active in Quebec.
About 880 people are currently working to fight these fires. Tomorrow, 119 American fighters will come to lend a hand to the firefighters who are on the ground.
“I thank the President of the United States Joe Biden and the American people for their help!”, Mentioned François Legault on Twitter.
