Quebec firefighters struggle to contain wildfires in northern and western regions

A wildfire raging west of Chibougamau, northern Quebec, is seen in a June 4, 2023 handout photo. (The Canadian Press/HO-SOPFEU, Audrey Marcoux)

Officials say firefighters are still struggling to control wildfires in two Quebec regions as the situation in the rest of the province has improved.

Sylvain Tremblay of Quebec’s forest fire prevention agency – SOPFEU – says there are about 100 fires in the southern half of the province and another 20 in the north.

He says the rainfall has not been enough to halt the progress of out-of-control fires in the northern and western parts of the province.

Tremblay says firefighters are concerned about wildfire behavior in those two regions firefighters trying to keep track of the progress they’ve made.

Elsewhere, he says rain has helped halt the growth of fires, at least temporarily.

In the meantime, Quebec Civil safety officer Jean Savard has urged residents in areas where smoke has affected air quality to follow public health advice and avoid strenuous exercise outdoors.