Fewer wildfires in May, but human activity remains the cause in nearly all cases

Fewer wildfires in May, but human activity remains the cause in nearly all cases

Quebec recorded a lower‑than‑average number of wildfires in May, but nearly all of the fires reported were still caused by human activity.

According to the monthly report released Wednesday by SOPFEU, 101 forest fires were fought by SOPFEU crews and municipal fire services. By comparison, the average for this period over the past ten years is 138 fires.

In total, the fires burned 136.4 hectares of forest in the intensive protection zone.

Despite this relatively positive result, SOPFEU notes that 99% of the fires that occurred in May were caused by human activities.

Weather conditions helped limit the risks for much of the month. Temperatures were generally below seasonal norms, and regular precipitation slowed the drying of vegetation.

The Laurentides, Outaouais, Bas‑Saint‑Laurent and Côte‑Nord regions recorded the highest number of interventions during the month. Three fires were also reported in the northern zone.

As is the case every spring, the burning of yard debris remains the leading cause of forest fires.

In addition, eight fires were caused by discarded cigarette butts, fifteen by poorly extinguished campfires, and twenty by damaged electrical wires.

SOPFEU reminds the public that June typically brings warmer and drier conditions, a period during which the risk of major wildfires increases significantly.

As part of its awareness campaign “Avoid Preventable Fires”, the organization is urging the population to remain vigilant in order to reduce the number of fires caused by negligent behaviour.