Forest fires: The risk is extreme for parts of Quebec
In several areas of Quebec, forest fires could break out or intensify in the coming days. The return of this, sometimes extreme, risk coincides with a prolonged spell of good weather. Here's the current situation
Weather Highlights
The prolonged dry spell increases the risk of forest fires in Quebec
The fire potential is officially very high to extreme for the southwest of the province
Spring brings real dangers in terms of forest fires
A risk to be taken seriously
It's always pleasant to experience a stretch of sunshine without rain, but when it does happen, especially at this time of year, risks must be considered.
And this danger is particularly evident in several regions of Quebec: Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU)'s forest fire risk indices are officially rated from very high to extreme in southwestern Quebec. For the southeastern and central parts of the province, the risk level is high.
On Monday, the risk is expected to increase, especially in the Upper Laurentians. The dry spell that is expected to continue until Wednesday in southern Quebec will do nothing to improve the already precarious situation.
Spring cleaning can sometimes be dangerous
One might think that the risk of forest fires is lower in the spring.
So, how can the dry and sunny weather enjoyed by many regions of Quebec actually increase the risk?
"The trees don't yet have leaves, and all the sunlight reaches the surface, often covered with dead leaves from the remnants of autumn, where there is obviously no more snow on the ground," explains MétéoMédia meteorologist, Patrick Duplessis.
Then, some people take advantage of this time to do their spring cleaning, which includes maintaining their property. In fact, burning leaves and branches is one of the leading causes of fires during this season.
A period to watch closely
Nature awakens in spring, and not just with animals, large and small, emerging from their hiding places. In Quebec, spring is truly the season most conducive to forest fires, particularly the month of May (according to the average established by SOPFEU for the years 2014-2023).
For some areas, with the arrival of a rainy and cooler system the risk of fire should be revised downwards from the middle of the week.
This article was translated to English from MétéoMédia, The Weather Network’s Quebec-based sister station.
With files from Patrick Duplessis, a meteorologist at MétéoMédia.