On this Monday morning, Environment Canada issued a smog warning due to high levels of fine particles emitted by forest fires in Quebec. These fine particles will have a negative impact on air quality and the warning could persist until Wednesday June 7th.

The current forest fires in Quebec are having an impact on atmospheric conditions, which could lead to a deterioration of air quality in several regions, including Montreal. According to Public Health, smog irritates the eyes and airways, and worsens symptoms for people with heart disease or asthma. There is also a danger to animals. It will therefore be preferable to stay indoors or limit intense outdoor activities for the next few days.

The smog warning is also in effect in the regions of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Laurentides, Lanaudière, Mauricie (including La Tuque), Montérégie, Centre-du-Québec and Saguenay-Lac-Saint Jean.

 

Some numbers

According to the Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU), 156 fires are currently raging in Quebec, mainly in the northwest and on the North Shore. This is a sad record for the province which is not out of danger.

The Canadian army has already been called-in to help, and the province is also expecting firefighters from France, Portugal and the United States, among others. It should be noted that fortunately, the majority of the 158,521 hectares affected by the fires is uninhabited by humans.

  

To find more information about active forest fires in Quebec in real time, visit the SOPFEU website.