The number of out of control forest fires in Quebec has declined as firefighters begin to take the offensive instead of just reacting to the blazes, the province's natural resources minister said Sunday.
Maïté Blanchette Vézina said there are still 131 fires burning in the province, but the number of those classified as out-of-control has dropped by 28 and now stands at 44.Fires near several communities in northern and northwestern Quebec have been brought partially under control, Blanchette Vézina said, but warned that with no rain expected in the affected areas before Tuesday, winds and continued dry conditions could stoke the flames.
"I know there are a lot of citizens who have been evacuated who are anxious to know when they will be able to return home," she said. "For the moment, the situation remains difficult in the Nord-du-Québec sector, in Abitibi, so no return in the very short term. That said, things are improving." Flore Bouchon, spokeswoman for Blanchette Vézina, said in interview that the situation in Chibougamau has improved and that while the province is in agreement about the return, the municipality has final say on the evacuation order.
Lebel-sur-Quévillon Mayor Guy Lafrenière said the fire has not moved in the past three days. More than 100 firefighters from the United States are expected to arrive on Tuesday and Wednesday to help fight the fire, he said in a live video broadcast on the city's Facebook page.
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