Saturday, June 17, 2023
Residents of Lebel-sur-Quévillon, a northern Quebec town that has been under evacuation orders due to forest fires, are expected to be allowed to return home on Sunday, according to Mayor Guy Lafrenière. The tourism in this region is deeply affected.
In a Facebook video, Lafrenière stated that essential workers would be returning immediately to ensure necessary services are in place for the residents. Health services will not yet be operational, so workers and business owners are instructed not to bring their children. A detailed plan for the return home will be announced on Saturday.
Forests Minister Maïté Blanchette Vézina indicated that the flammability risk in the area had increased, but the town and a nearby pulp mill are protected by fire breaks and additional firefighters from the United States.
Firefighters from Portugal will also be arriving to assist in combating the out-of-control fire that has burned 1,320 square kilometers, coming close to Highway 113.
Lebel-sur-Quévillon, with a population of about 2,000 people, is the last community under a full evacuation order following unprecedented wildfires in Quebec that forced over 13,500 people from their homes.
Quebec has seen a total of 455 forest fires this year, compared to an average of 229 over the past ten years. Assistance has been sought from international firefighters, with personnel from France, the United States, Spain, and Portugal arriving to support firefighting efforts.
The wildfires have not only threatened the safety of residents but have also impacted tourism in the region. The return of residents and the containment of the fires will contribute to restoring normalcy in the affected areas.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
