No wildfires in Quebec getting out of control for the first time since late May

A SOPFEU patch is seen on a worker’s leg near Lebel-sur-Quevillon, Que., July 5, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld)

For the first time since late May, Québec’s forest fire prevention agency says it does No wildfires in the province got out of control.

The agency, called SOPFEU, says there are currently 57 fires in the southern half of the province, including 38 under control and 19 considered contained.

The agency considers a fire if it has been contained No longer growing but could regain strength.

By early June, there were more than 100 out-of-control fires in the province.

There are 86 wildfires in the northern half of the province, where fires are only controlled if they pose a threat to communities or key infrastructure.

Environment Canada has issued an air quality alert due to wildfire smoke for regions bordering James Bay and Hudson Bay.