Beneficial rain for Montreal - fire danger remains high in northern Quebec

One of 200 wildfires burning across Quebec, this one located near Chisasibi, west La Grande and Radisson. (SOPFEU)

A slow moving front brought some much needed moisture to the entire southern Quebec region on Thursday. It was a slow, steady rain the produced 20-25mm across the region. While June was wet in Montreal, the rain was very localized in nature as we all know. This rain was widespread and at a manageable rate.

The moisture will certainly reduce the wildfire risk from the Saint Lawrence River south, but it remains high across northern and central portions of Quebec. There are over 200 wildfires currently burning across the province, with at least two out of control. As a result, an outdoor burn ban is in effect across most of the province north of the St. Lawrence River. This means if you have camping plans in the Laurentians, you will not be allowed campfires.

The region of far northern and western Quebec has had a very dry and warm spring and summer to date. A large area of the northwest Quebec recorded between 50 and 75 percent of normal precipitation for June.

The fires have resulted in the evacuation of several communities. SOPFEU, the provincial forest fire agency has over 900 firefighters and personnel battling the fires. This includes over 100 firefighters from British Columbia, Alberta and Prince Edward Island. Over 20 aircraft and 50 helicopters are assisting in the battle.

Warm and dry weather is expected to return to the province over the next week, with high temperatures exceeding 30C (86F) once again, along with very little rainfall. 

Most of the fires this year have been started by human activity, at last count 225. This displays firsthand the negative impact we can have on the forest fire season. This is why the fire ban is so important and backed by fines of up to $5000. According to SOPFEU, an additional 52 fires have been started by lightning strikes.

The current wildfire situation in Quebec, with an outdoor burn ban in effect for all of the province north of the St. Lawrence River. (SOPFEU)