Quebec moves from defence to offence mode to fight forest fires
CTV
Quebec is switching from defence to offence mode to fight forest fires, Natural Resources and Forestry Minister Maite Blanchette Vezina announced on Sunday. However, a "very short-term" return is not expected for residents of evacuated communities, the minister said at a news briefing in Quebec City.
The number of out of control forest fires in Quebec has declined as firefighters begin to take the offensive instead of just reacting to the blazes, the province's natural resources minister said Sunday.
Maite Blanchette Vezina said there are still 131 fires burning in the province, but the number of those classified as out-of-control has dropped by 28 and now stands at44.
"We've gone from a reactive mode to an offensive mode," she told reporters in Quebec City.
Fires near several communities in northern and northwestern Quebec have been brought partially under control, Blanchette Vezina said, but warned that with no rain expected in the affected areas before Tuesday, winds and continued dry conditions could stoke the flames.
Despite the progress, she said none of the nearly 14,000 Quebecers who have been forced from their homes will be able to return in the "very short term," though some people may be able to go back before the end of the week.
"I know there are a lot of citizens who have been evacuated who are anxious to know when they will be able to return home," she said. "For the moment, the situation remains difficult in the Nord-du-Quebec sector, in Abitibi, so no return in the very short term. That said, things are improving."
Blanchette Vezina said discussions with local officials about what factors will allow people to return to areas in and around Chibougamau, Que., where around 7,500 people were forced from their homes, were scheduled to take place Sunday and Monday.
