More forest fires in the month of August

Antoine Lacroix

Sunday, 30 July, 2017 23:07

UPDATE
Sunday, 30 July, 2017 23:47

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Québec has experienced nearly 200 forest fires less than its average for the past 10 years since the beginning of the summer, but the situation could change during the next few days.

With the temperature pretty dry, the rise in the mercury and the little rainfall, the risk of fire will be high across much of the province over the coming days, warns the Society for the protection of forests against fire (SOPFEU).

Photo courtesy

Émilie Bégin

Information officer SOPFEU

“We are talking about the Nord-du-Québec, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, the Outaouais region. And it becomes extreme in the case of the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie regions, ” says Émilie Bégin, senior information and prevention to the SOPFEU.

Year less busy

“The weather influences a lot our forecasts. If rain is forecast, the risks decrease. It should be noted that, in many areas, the soil is rather dry, which helps for the fires, ” she continued.

The year 2017 is rather calm compared to the average of the last 10 years. So far, 176 fires were reported on the territory of the SOPFEU, compared to 374 at the same time on average.

The fires of 2017 have ravaged 6511,8 hectares. Alone, the fire most important of the year burned up 4951,5. Always according to the average of the last 10 years, there are usually 61 131,6 hectares destroyed by fire on this date.

“It is almost 10 times less, rejoices Émilie Bégin. Firefighters intervened quickly and it is a good team work with the audience, who kept us informed. “

“We also count on the public to exercise caution, especially in the next few days. Therefore, when making fires, never leave them unattended and always make sure you have turned off the all, ” recalls the officer of prevention, pointing out that 70 % of forest fires are of human origin.

Currently, there are five fires burning in the province, indicates the SOPFEU, but this number could increase because of the risks to the upside.