SOPFEU calls for vigilance

SOPFEU calls for vigilance

SOPFEU is back as usual the start of spring with their spring fire prevention message, reminding the public that at this time of year, the risk of fire is greatest along forest edges and near municipalities. Mélanie Morin, information officer for SOPFEU:

SOPFEU points out that in the spring, municipal firefighters and SOPFEU forest firefighters respond to an average of 275 forest fires. At this time of the year, despite the cool weather and still-moist soil, the risk of fire is often very high. All it takes is a few hours of sunshine and a little wind for the dead vegetation to dry out quickly, and the fire danger level to rise substantially. A fire can then spread over a good distance, threatening the forest as well as nearby buildings.

The practice of land-clearing and waste-burning fires causes an average of 75 forest fires a year. SOPFEU would like to point out that around 80% of forest fires are caused by human activity. Once again, Mélanie Morin:

The full (French-language) interview with Mélanie Morin, conducted by Nathalie Vasiloff, is available here.