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Forestry Industry
Protecting the forest. Protecting jobs.
Quebec's forest industry plays a crucial role in wildfire prevention. Despite sustained efforts, 182 fires have been caused by forestry operations over the past ten years. The main sources of ignition include machinery use, burning, all-terrain vehicles, and cigarette butts. These incidents highlight the importance of constant vigilance and adherence to recommendations to reduce risks and improve this record.
SOPFEU Members
Previously, the forest industry and owners or managers of private forests of at least 800 hectares in a single block contributed directly to SOPFEU’s funding and to the costs of suppressing wildfires, alongside the Government of Quebec. Each sector stakeholder was a paying member of SOPFEU. Since 2018, the Government has assumed full responsibility for these costs. However, membership status still applies to companies operating in the forest sector, whether on public or private land.
With the adoption of Bill 50, entitled Loi édictant la Loi sur la sécurité civile visant à favoriser la résilience aux sinistres et modifiant diverses dispositions relatives notamment aux centres de communications d’urgence et à la protection contre les incendies de forêt, owners or forest managers (of forests larger than 800 hectares in a single block) have no longer been required to be SOPFEU members since 2024. If they wish to become or remain members, there is no financial commitment associated with membership. The main benefits are participation in the Annual General Meeting and the opportunity to serve on SOPFEU’s Board of Directors.
Member Responsibilities
Forest fire protection is a shared responsibility between SOPFEU and its members. Members must comply with restrictions recommended by SOPFEU in collaboration with the Quebec government.
Reporting Fires Related to Operations
Members must notify SOPFEU by calling 1-800-463-FEUX (3389) whenever a forest fire or a machinery fire threatening the forest occurs in connection with their operations, even if the fire has already been extinguished when it is discovered.
Reporting these incidents helps improve operational practices and strengthens wildfire prevention efforts.
Minimum Standards and Forestry Inspections
Preventive inspection standards apply to SOPFEU members and their service providers. Minimum forest fire prevention standards must be upheld by SOPFEU members. The forestry industry must also collaborate with SOPFEU regarding preventive inspections.
Best Practices to Apply During a Fire in Your Operations
Adopting best practices during forestry operations is essential to reducing wildfire risks and protecting workers, communities and forest environments. Every action taken in the field can make a difference in preventing wildfires. Consult our best practices to learn about the measures to apply before, during and after your operations to reduce ignition risks and respond effectively when hazardous situations arise.
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Authorization for Forest Work & Industrial Burn Permits
Any company or organization planning industrial forestry work must obtain an authorization or permit from SOPFEU.
Legal Obligations for Forestry Work
Section III (Fire Prevention) of the Sustainable Forest Management Act and the associated Forest Protection Regulation outline several obligations for the forestry industry and large landowners regarding wildfire protection.
Chapter VI.I (Forest Fire Protection Agency) of the Fire Safety Act also sets directives for forest users.
Preventing Wildfires
Tools and resources are available to support the forest industry in its wildfire prevention efforts. When conditions are conducive to wildfire ignition, implementing preventive measures helps reduce the risk of human-caused fires and protect everyone who uses the forest.
Fire Danger Index
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The fire danger index allows operations to be adjusted based on the level of risk. It is available daily on the SOPFEU app and website. These tools also provide notifications about changes in fire danger based on the selected location.
The Use of Cigarettes in the Forest
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Each year, approximately 80 wildfires are caused by smokers' materials.
From April 1 to November 15, smoking is prohibited in or near the forest while working or travelling, unless it takes place inside a building or a fully enclosed vehicle (Section 6 of the Regulation respecting the protection of forests).
To reduce the risks, SOPFEU recommends that smokers who work in the forest or engage in recreational activities there adopt the following behaviors:
Avoid disposing of a cigarette butt out of a vehicle window.
When smoking, remain stationary on a cleared surface (dirt, sand, or gravel).
Do not smoke while walking or riding an ATV.
Extinguish the cigarette butt by wetting it or crushing it on a rock.
Do not throw the cigarette butt on the ground.
Dispose of the cigarette butt in a container brought for that purpose.
Offenses and possible penalties
The Sustainable Forest Management Act and the Forest Protection Regulation state that anyone violating smoking regulations commits an offence and is subject to a fine of $1,000 to $5,000.
Notice of Work in the Forest
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Any person or organization carrying out, or having work carried out, in the forest must notify SOPFEU unless the work consists of forest management activities conducted under a plan prepared or approved by the Québec Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests. Where deemed necessary, SOPFEU may also require a Protection Plan (Section 192 of the Sustainable Forest Development Act).
Protection Plan: The cost of assessing whether a Protection Plan is required, and the cost of preparing one if applicable, is the responsibility of the person or organization carrying out the work.
The Protection Plan must be submitted to the Québec Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests for approval. Any costs associated with the monitoring activities required under the plan are the responsibility of the person or organization carrying out the work.
Restrictions on forestry work
When forest conditions warrant, SOPFEU may recommend that forest operations be suspended entirely or restricted during specific periods of the day (for example, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) or for a full 24-hour period.
These recommendations are intended to reduce the risk of wildfires caused by forest operations. They apply to the forest industry, its contractors, and any other industry conducting work on forested land with a vegetative surface.
Responsible authority: SOPFEU, in collaboration with the Partner Liaison and Information Committees (CLIP) and the Québec ministère de la Sécurité intérieure.
What types of work are affected?
The recommendations apply to activities carried out on vegetative soil using motorized equipment or machinery, including:
Tree harvesting
Brush clearing
Skidding and forwarding
Chainsaw operations
Scarification
Delimbing
Road construction
Welding
ATV operation
And similar activities
Activities carried out directly on mineral soil, or on vegetative soil without the use of motorized equipment, such as forest inventories, tree marking, and timber measurements, may continue.
Are these restrictions mandatory?
No. SOPFEU provides recommendations, but each company decides whether to suspend its operations.
Under the Minimum Wildfire Prevention Standards for Forest Operations, companies that choose to continue operating while a preventive restriction is in effect must provide a special ground patrol.
There has been significant rainfall in my area and I don't believe there is a wildfire risk. Do I still have to comply?
No. The restriction is a recommendation, not a legal requirement. If you determine that conditions are safe, you may continue your activities.
When will I be able to resume work?
It is generally difficult for SOPFEU to predict when restrictions can be lifted, as this depends on several factors, including weather and forest conditions. Monitor updates sent by email and posted on the SOPFEU website for the latest information.
Prohibition of traffic in and access to forests
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Under Section 150.9 of the Fire Safety Act, this measure allows the ministère de la Sécurité intérieure to restrict or prohibit access to, or travel within, forested areas in a designated territory to ensure public safety during a wildfire or when wildfire risk conditions require it.
This measure applies to all forest users, including forestry workers.
Responsible authority: The ministère de la Sécurité intérieure, in collaboration with the ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts and SOPFEU.
What should I do if I am in a forested area within a zone affected by the restriction?
You are asked to leave the area safely as soon as possible, unless different instructions have been issued by the ministère de la Sécurité intérieure.
Use of Fire as a Silvicultural Treatment
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From April 1 to November 15, a permit is required to set a fire in or near a forest, except in cases provided for under the Regulation respecting the protection of forests (section 190 of the Sustainable Forest Development Act).
This permit is issued by the SOPFEU under the conditions established by government regulation. To ensure that burning activities are carried out safely, the SOPFEU may specify precautionary measures as part of the permit, based on the circumstances of each application.
Cancellation and Suspension of Industrial Burning
When necessary, SOPFEU can cancel active industrial burning permits and suspend issuing new ones until conditions improve.
Responsible Authority: SOPFEU
Use of Fire as a Silvicultural Treatment
Anyone using fire as a silvicultural treatment must comply with SOPFEU's directives, which must be approved in advance by the MRNF (section 193 of the Sustainable Forest Development Act).
Fire Ban
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Under section 150.9 of the Fire Safety Act, this measure authorizes the ministère de la Sécurité intérieure to prohibit open fires within a designated area to ensure public safety during a wildfire or when wildfire risk warrants such action.
This measure applies to recreational campfires, cooking fires, debris burning, charcoal barbecues and fireworks. It applies to all forest users, including forestry workers.
Responsible authority: ministère de la Sécurité intérieure, in collaboration with SOPFEU.
Possible Offences and Penalties
Anyone who contravenes this measure is liable to a fine ranging from $500 to $50,000, pursuant to section 155.1 of the Fire Safety Act.