Call for Caution – Summer Temperatures Are Settling In and Fire Risk Is Rising

Due to prevailing weather conditions, SOPFEU is issuing a call for caution to residents in the northern regions of the province. The area of greatest concern today is Nord-du-Québec, particularly the Baie-James sector. Starting tomorrow, fire danger ratings are also expected to rise in the regions of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, and Côte-Nord.

When SOPFEU issues a “call for caution,” it means that weather indices indicate not only a heightened risk of new wildfires but also conditions that could lead to high-intensity fires capable of spreading quickly. SOPFEU is closely monitoring the situation, as several new fires are expected to ignite in the coming days.

At this time of year, people are more likely to take part in outdoor activities such as fishing and hiking. SOPFEU reminds everyone to fully extinguish campfires, to be extra cautious with smoking materials in the forest, and to clean the hot parts of ATVs after riding in wooded areas.

In addition, many residents are taking advantage of the nice weather to do yard work. People are therefore asked to be especially careful when using fire, to avoid burning waste or leftover materials, and to follow their municipality’s regulations regarding open fires and domestic burning.

Since the beginning of the fire protection season, 94 wildfires have been reported in intensive protection zones, affecting 103.6 hectares of forest—98% of which were caused by human activity.