179 fires in the province in May

179 fires in the province in May

May was an active month for the Forest Fire Protection Society (SOPFEU) and municipal firefighters, with 179 forest fires in the province. Although the spring weather started late this year, it took only a few days of sunshine combined with the wind for the need of firefighters to intervene throughout the province, especially in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Outaouais, Laurentians and Mauricie region. The loss of control of spring cleaning brush fires were the main causes of these fires.

The month of June marks the beginning of summer activities such as fishing, hiking and camping. Outdoor enthusiasts must exercise caution in regards to campfires which are responsible for nearly 50 wildfires so far.

Outdoor precautions by SOPFEU
Before lighting a campfire, check the fire risk in your area and comply with the Forest Protection Regulations, including:
– Choose most soil or sand to surround the fire;
– Clean any brush branches or dry leaves around the fire pit beforehand;
– Have a water source nearby and hand tools to extinguish the fire;
– And most importantly, someone must stay with the fire until it is completely extinguished.