Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU), an organization that has the mandate to prevent, detect, and fight all forest fires throughout Quebec, has implemented a ban on open fires in many sectors across the province. There have been 99 new fires since SOPFEU implemented the ban on May 7 and the number of fires in Quebec so far this year have totalled 172. 

“It’s throughout the southern portion of Quebec, including Estrie, Monterégie, and the entire Townships’ area,” said Melanie Morin, fire information officer for SOPFEU. “All related to the dry spell that we are currently going through.” 

At this time during the year, with the additional lack of precipitation, Morin said that there is a lack of greenery and that branches and grass are dry. 

“The fire danger is extreme,” she noted. 

Morin mentioned that the number of fires in Quebec for 2022 have surpassed the average number  for this time of the year. 

“We are at 172 fires for 2022. The ten year average of the same date, so usually at this time of the year, we’re at 107 fires,” she said. “So, you can see there were about 70 fires over the average and that really is all throughout the last few days.”

While the dry spell won’t last forever, Morin described the next few days as “critical” and that the SOPFEU cannot yet predict what this summer will look like. 

“Once it rains, things can change pretty quickly at this time of the year. As I mentioned, it really is related to spring conditions. Having no green up in many areas, so dry grass, dry fields, the small vegetation, dead leaves. All of that, after a bit of sun, a bit of wind, very low relative humidity, all of that becomes fine fuels,” Morin explained. 

The ban takes into consideration any type of open air fire and the use of fireworks. 

“Any classic campfire, any burning of brush or rubbish, and use of fireworks, lanterns that sort of thing. What is not considered an open air fire is a fire fed by propane, so again if we’re using a propane fed fire pit, or if we are making our fire in a fire place that is completely enclose with metal and a spark arrester,” said Morin. 

Morin added that if people are considering having an enclosed fire, SOPFEU encourages checking in with their municipality or township who may have different regulations and rules set in place. She also emphasized that people need to be cautious as to where they place their propane fed or enclosed fire pit. 

“Please do not place this anywhere near tall vegetation or near trees in the forest. If we use these types of apparatuses, it still needs to in an open area either on a gravel or cement footing,” she said. 

SOPFEU is asking for citizen’s cooperation. Anyone seeking information about the ban or fire activity in Quebec can refer to its website. 

Listen to the full interview below: