Bas-Saint-Laurent

With the arrival of September, autumn is already making its presence felt. Vegetation, now fully mature and combined with higher relative humidity, helps reduce the risk of wildfire. Shorter days limit daily drying, while cooler temperatures and morning dew naturally moisten the vegetation.

Despite this lull, vigilance remains necessary. In the fall, the wildfire risk persists, as vegetation begins to wither and fallen leaves on the ground can quickly dry out under the effect of wind and sunlight. This dry fuel can ignite easily and feed surface fires.

Summer-like conditions are prevailing in the region. Under these conditions, surface fires (dead leaves, brush, etc.) are less common, as the greenery and leafing of trees and shrubs are now complete. However, any fires that may occur are likely to burn deeper and be more intense.

The leafing of trees and the appearance of greenery are now well underway in the region, signalling the arrival of summer-like conditions. Under these conditions, surface fires (dead leaves, brush, etc.) are already less common. However, any fires that may occur are likely to burn deeper and be more intense.

The leafing of trees and the appearance of greenery are now well underway in the region, signalling the arrival of summer-like conditions. Under these conditions, surface fires (dead leaves, brush, etc.) are already less common. However, any fires that may occur are likely to burn deeper and be more intense.

Call for Caution

During the week of May 26, fire danger ratings are expected to reach “Extreme” in several areas due to weather conditions. As a result, SOPFEU has issued a call for caution for the region.

Preventive Measures

SOPFEU has suspended the issuance of industrial burning permits in high-risk areas. The agency is encouraging municipalities to do the same for domestic burning.

An open fire ban has been issued by the Ministry of Public Security, in collaboration with SOPFEU. This ban comes into effect on May 28 at 8:00 a.m., and applies to the MRC of La Matanie.

Additionally, SOPFEU has recommended that its members and forestry-related industries restrict forest operations starting May 28. This measure also applies to the MRC of La Matanie.

The leafing of trees and the emergence of greenery are now well underway and nearly complete in the region. As a result, summer-like conditions are now present. Under these circumstances, surface fires (dead leaves, brush, etc.) are already less frequent; however, any fires that may occur are likely to burn deeper into the ground and be more intense.

Spring conditions are now well established in the region. As soon as the warm weather sets in, it’s important to remain vigilant. Dead vegetation—such as brush and fallen leaves—can dry out very quickly with just a bit of sun and wind, making it highly flammable.

In the southeastern part of Bas-Saint-Laurent, snow cover has disappeared, and spring conditions are now favourable to vegetation fires. SOPFEU is now issuing the fire danger index in this region.

In spring, as soon as the nice weather returns, it’s important to stay alert. Dead vegetation—such as dry grass, brush, and dead leaves—can dry out very quickly with just a bit of sun and wind, becoming highly flammable.