Review of the month of July

Unlike the Canadian Prairies, Quebec continues to experience an exceptionally calm wildfire season. This past July recorded the lowest number of fires in the last ten years — nearly four times fewer than the historical average. Over the past month, SOPFEU reported 18 wildfires affecting just 2 hectares (ha) of forest within the Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ), compared to a 10-year average of 67 fires and 1,116 ha burned during the same month. Only one wildfire occurred in the Northern Protection Zone (NPZ), whereas the decade average for that zone in July is 37 fires.

The low number of wildfires can be attributed in part to increased public awareness around human-caused fire prevention, as well as the frequent rainfall events that occurred across the province throughout the month. Despite several thunderstorms with lightning, these were typically accompanied by heavy rain, which limited fire starts. While there were some periods of sunshine and drier conditions, they did not result in significant fire activity.

No major fires were recorded in July. All wildfires reported in the IPZ were contained before reaching one hectare in size. Although all were human-caused, certain behaviours were more frequent. For instance, 17% of July’s fires were caused by discarded smoking materials, and 22% were the result of escaped or poorly extinguished campfires. Additional causes included hot fireplace ashes, an off-road vehicle, and forestry operations — each responsible for one fire.

Interprovincial Support

Thanks to Quebec’s calm fire conditions in July, SOPFEU, in partnership with the Government of Quebec, was able to continue supporting other Canadian provinces that were still dealing with high fire activity and large burned areas. Over the course of the month, 200 wildland firefighters and 8 SOPFEU representatives were deployed to Saskatchewan and Manitoba across two separate missions. Two radio operators were also sent to Saskatchewan. Most recently, on August 2nd, 40 firefighters and 2 representatives were deployed to Alberta.

In addition to personnel, Quebec provided six air tankers and their crews, as well as a bird-dog aircraft and crew, across three missions to Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Five helicopters were loaned for two missions in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. A high-altitude infrared scanning aircraft and pilot have also been active in Ontario since May 19th.

Avoid Preventable Fires

As highlighted in the ongoing public awareness campaign, SOPFEU urges the public to remain vigilant in the coming weeks to help “avoid preventable fires.” With vacation season in full swing for many Quebecers, the organization reminds the public that outdoor recreation enthusiasts are responsible for nearly one-third of wildfires at this time of year. Everyone’s cooperation is essential to help reduce the number of wildfires and vegetation fires across the province.