Port-Cartier, Que., issues evacuation order due to wildfires
CBC
About 1,000 residents of Port-Cartier, on Quebec's North Shore, have been ordered to leave their homes overnight Friday due to the threat of wildfires.
The municipality has a population of about 6,500.
Four forest fires, all sparked by lightning, were burning uncontrolled on Quebec's North Shore as of Friday, according to the Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU).
One of those fires, roughly 50 hectares in size, broke out around noon Friday near Lake Morin, close to Port-Cartier.
The city has declared a state of emergency for five days.
Public Security Minister François Bonnardel posted about the fires on the social media platform X on Friday, saying authorities were keeping an eye on the region.
The Red Cross, the CISSS de la Côte-Nord and the Sûreté du Québec are working with the municipality to ensure the safety of citizens.
"Our teams are in contact with municipalities and are ready to support them if necessary," Bonnardel wrote.
In a post on the city's Facebook page, officials ordered the population to vacate the sectors of Brunel Park, Dominique Park as well as all residences located north of Route 138.
As the fires intensify, SOPFEU teams have been actively working on the ground to bring them under control. About 60 personnel are involved as forest firefighters, supported by seven helicopters and four tanker aircraft, confirmed Isabelle Gariépy, a spokesperson for the fire fighting service.
Displaced residents may go to Baie-Comeau, where temporary accommodation is available at the Henry-Leonard centre.
For people who don't have access to a vehicle, a shuttle service was offered from the Abri de Port Cartier educational centre until 10 p.m. Friday.
Residents are being asked to call 418-766-2348 for information about evacuation plans.
Correctional Service Canada confirmed its intentions to evacuate staff at the Port-Cartier Institution as well as inmates.
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