Exceptionally Dry August Leads to Twice as Many Fires as Average
Exceptionally Dry August Leads to Twice as Many Fires as Average
The 2025 wildfire season in Quebec, which had been notably quiet, reversed course over the past month, with the number of fires more than double the average. In August, SOPFEU reported 121 fires that affected 59.2 hectares (ha) of forest in Intensive Protection Zones (ZPI), compared with a ten-year average of 50 fires and 53.8 ha burned during the same period.
August 2025 ranks among the driest months in the past three decades across several regions of Quebec. Mélanie Morin of SOPFEU provided further details:
“So yes, there were twice as many fires in August as the usual average of 50. It’s important to always check the Fire Danger indications. It’s not because cooler weather is coming, doesn’t mean wildfires aren’t possible—drying vegetation, falling leaves, and other small fuels can ignite very quickly.”
The 2025 wildfire season in Quebec, which had been notably quiet, reversed course over the past month, with the number of fires more than double the average. In August, SOPFEU reported 121 fires affecting 59.2 hectares (ha) of forest in Intensive Protection Zones (ZPI), compared with a ten-year average of 50 fires and 53.8 ha burned during the same period.
August 2025 ranks among the driest months in the past three decades across several regions of Quebec. Mélanie Morin of SOPFEU provided further details:
“The exceptional drought fueled a high number of fires, due to a series of high-pressure systems that kept warm, dry conditions across the province. The precipitation deficit was particularly felt in the southern and eastern regions, especially during the second week of August, when Fire Danger ratings ranged from High to Extreme. More than half of the month’s fires (51%) occurred during this critical period. Among the hardest-hit regions, the Outaouais recorded 26 fires, while Côte-Nord battled 22.”
Despite the resurgence of wildfire activity, SOPFEU, in collaboration with the Quebec government, continued to support other Canadian provinces still facing numerous fires and large areas affected. In August alone, a total of 180 forest firefighters and nine SOPFEU representatives were deployed on four separate missions to Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia. Additionally, a radio operator and a major fire management team of 12 specialists were deployed to New Brunswick.
Last week, SOPFEU launched the second phase of its prevention campaign, this time focused on protecting homes from wildfires. The organization once again uses the humor and straightforward approach of Carole, portrayed by comedian Silvi Tourigny, to remind residents living in or near forested areas that they play a key role in making their communities more resilient to vegetation fires.
Although the summer season is drawing to a close, SOPFEU emphasizes that the wildfire season is not over. With the start of hunting season and the closure of cottages, the risk of human-caused fires remains high. Poorly extinguished campfires, cigarette butts, and the use of all-terrain vehicles can all spark a fire. The organization encourages the public to check the Fire Danger ratings on its website or mobile app before engaging in recreational activities in forested areas.