Owners of a primary residence in the Lac Villebon sector in the east of the Val-d’Or territory will be allowed to return to their homes from today (Tuesday).

This reintegration can take place from 4 p.m. for the southern part of Lake Villebon and from 6 p.m. for the northern part of Lake Villebon.

This Reinstatement Notice from the City of Val-d’Or is intended for principal residence owners only and not for vacation home owners or renters.

“Due to the ministerial decree in force that prohibits access to the forest on state lands, only owners of a main residence can access the forest to return to their place of residence.” Owners or tenants of chalets or hunting camps therefore have no access to the sector for the time being,” explains the City of Val-d’Or in a press release.

“The latest data from SOPFEU on fire #297 shows us that this sector is now safe. However, the Lac Matchi-Manitou and Lac Guéguen sectors remain evacuated until further notice,” the city added.

This Wildfire Evacuation Notice was issued on June 20th.

Proof of residence (e.g. a driver’s license) is required at the roadside checkpoint. Updates to the Decree are published by the Department of Natural Resources and Forestry.

For more information, citizens can contact extension 0 819-824-9613 or consult the Ville de Val-d’Or Facebook page and website.

“SOPFEU states that no forest fire is currently threatening the urban area of ​​the city of Val-d’Or. The population is always encouraged to follow the preventive measures enacted by the Quebec government, particularly in relation to air quality and fire safety,” the city concludes.

Evacuation notices lifted in Abitibi-Ouest

In Abitibi-Ouest, the evacuation notices for the towns of Normétal, La Reine and Saint-Lambert have been lifted.

In an update released on Tuesday, the rain seems to be having an effect. Nevertheless, the population is asked to remain vigilant.

According to SOPFEU, fire no. 281 should no longer advance in the direction of Normétal. Thirty ground firefighters remain on duty and 40 soldiers are scheduled to begin consolidating borders near Saint-Lambert on Wednesday.

(In collaboration with Lise Millette)