Heat, storms fuel fire risk across parts of Quebec
As firefighters with Quebec's forest fire prevention agency (SOPFEU) prepare to battle the flames with assistance from Ontario and Manitoba Monday, there are worries that potential thunderstorms in the forecast could ignite new blazes.
In addition to the extreme heat and dry conditions, which has increased the risk of fires across the province, there are now concerns over new blazes possibly igniting from lightning strikes. A few weak disturbances will trigger isolated thunderstorms Monday across northern Quebec and the Eastern Townships.
Daytime heating will fuel instability through the afternoon and early evening for thunderstorm initiation. Winds are also an issue for containment efforts, as gusts of 30-40 km/h are expected.
"Weather can have significant impacts on how fires behave. The 30-30-30 rule is a general rule of thumb that states temperatures at or greater than 30°C, winds at or greater than 30 km/h and humidity at or lower than 30 per cent can all contribute to extreme fire behaviour. Criteria may be met for some areas across the province," said Weather Network meteorologist Kelly Sonnenburg.
"While most storms will stay below warning criteria, there is the possibility of a few thunderstorms turning severe, with heavy rain and small hail being the primary threat," adds Sonnenburg.
More than 200 firefighters from Ontario and Manitoba are expected to arrive Monday to join the 75 already on scene, as they struggle to contain the blazes, including one that is wreaking havoc in the Passes-Dangereuses area within the Lac-Saint-Jean region. The blaze, which started June 16, has already spanned over 62,000 hectares of land so far, according to CBC News.
Éric Rousseau, SOPFEU's director general, told CBC News the fire is not completely under control, but is spreading less quickly than last week. Natural factors, such as rain, humidity and lower temperatures, as well as the efforts of firefighters, will halt the blaze.
FIRE LIKELY IGNITED BY CAMPFIRE
Pierre Dufour, Quebec's Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks, said that a forest fire in the Chute-des-Passes area north of Lac Saint-Jean was likely started by a campfire. The Chute-des-Passes blaze is currently the largest of the 20 active forest and brush fires.
Quebec's fire prevention agency is hoping the region's humidity levels will be on their side Monday, as they continue to try controlling the fire. (SOPFEU)
Though the fire came within one kilometre of the Peribonka Hydro-Québec station, SOPFEU crews avoided possible impact by removing nearby vegetation. A Hydro-Québec spokesperson said the measures appear to be effective so far.
POOR AIR QUALITY
The active fires have led to a drastic drop in air quality levels, prompting an alert from Environment Canada. High levels of air pollution are expected.
A special air quality statement is in effect for Chutes-des-Passes, Pipmuacan Reservoir area, Labrieville area, Manic-3 area and Manic-5 area.
"Stay inside if you have breathing difficulties. Find an indoor place that's cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn't air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned," says Environment Canada.
63,535 HECTARES BURNED SO FAR IN 2020
According to the SOPFEU, on average, Quebec usually sees 26,016 hectares burned by this time of year. To date, a total of 63,535 hectares have burned.
As a result of the increased risk of fires provincewide, Quebec's Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks and SOPFEU has expanded the ban on open fires.
The latter states that it is crucial for everyone's help if the ban on open fires is going to work in preventing more blazes from initiating. It noted that people should also be cautious with cigarettes and glass bottles left in the sun, as these items can contribute to fires.
