Raging wildfires prompt new evacuation orders in northern Quebec
Global News
Meanwhile, Lebel-sur-Quévillon also ordered residents to leave by Thursday evening after a fire cut off one of the two routes connecting the city to the rest of the province.
A Cree community in northern Quebec was being evacuated Friday because of heavy smoke from a nearby forest fire.
The wildfire in Mistissini, Que., the second largest Cree community in the province, is located about 10 kilometres from the road to southern Quebec — and about 30 kilometres from the town itself.
“We have time to evacuate,” said Chief Michael Petawabno in a video posted on the Cree Nation of Mistissini’s Facebook page, adding that he wanted to ensure the evacuation wasn’t rushed.
He said the community’s almost 4,000 residents should check in at a local sports complex and that transport would be provided for those who don’t have vehicles.
Evacuees were being sent to Chicoutimi, Que., around 446 kilometres to the southeast.
Mistissini was the second Quebec community to order an evacuation within the past 24 hours.
The northern Quebec city of Lebel-sur-Quévillon ordered residents to leave by Thursday evening, after a fire cut off one of the two provincial highways connecting the city to the rest of the province. Mayor Guy Lafrenière said a second fire, further north, is expected to reach that road over the weekend.
“We’re waiting and hoping with all our hearts for rain next Tuesday,” he said in a video message.
