Wildfires: Quebec ends ban on open fires in forests for the first time since May
MONTREAL — Quebec has completely lifted a ban on open fires in or near forests in the southern half of the province for the first time since May.
The Forests Department says 23 fires are still active in that region, known as the intensive zone, which includes towns as far north as the Cree village of Mistissini, about 550 kilometers north of Montreal.
None of those fires are considered uncontrollable.
The department still prohibits all access to forests in the western part of the province’s northern zone, where wildfires continue to burn unless they threaten cities or critical infrastructure.
There are 11 wildfires that are considered uncontrollable in that zone, which is sparsely populated.
Since the start of the fire season, more than 15,000 square kilometers have burned in Quebec’s intensive zone and nearly 30,000 square kilometers in the northern zone.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on July 17, 2023.
