Fire index high to very high in western Quebec: SOPFEU

SOPFEU is warning residents in western Quebec that the risk for fires is high or very high with warming temperatures. (SOPFEU/Facebook)

It may be cold and wet in the east of the province, but that’s not necessarily the case in western Quebec, where the fire danger index ranges from high to very high.

The Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU) is asking people in these areas to be cautious in their outdoor activities.

“This is definitely not the time to be burning garbage,” it wrote on its Facebook page on Saturday morning.

SOPFEU points out that in spring, it only takes a few hours of sunshine and wind to dry out soil covered in dead plants and other debris, such as twigs and pine needles.

Particular care is therefore required over the weekend, especially in Abitibi, the Outaouais and the Laurentians, but also in the Lanaudière and Mauricie regions.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 10, 2025.