The company has issued alerts for several regions in the province, according to Environment Canada

Due to the forest fires in Quebec, there will be poor air quality from tonight or tonight due to high concentrations of particulate matter.

Photo collaboration Sylvie Drolet – image of a sky under a thin layer of smoke caused by forest fires (archives)

Here you will find an overview of the forest fire situation

There are 112 active fires in Quebec. Of this number, 25 are considered out of control, meaning they are making progress.

Today, 1,341 wildland firefighters, auxiliaries and soldiers are deployed to the various priority fire locations. Added to this number are the 160 regular SOPFEU employees who work in the various company locations and in the head office, i.e. a total of 1,501 people.

SMOG ALARM IN EFFECT

Weather conditions could persist through Monday.

Here are the regions that could be affected by smog

Quebec

Sector: Sector Bellechasse
Sector Côte-de-Beaupré – Île d’Orléans
Lévis area
Lotbinière area
Portneuf area
Sector Quebec
Saint-Lambert area
Valcartier-Stoneham area

beauce
Gatineau
Kamouraska – Riviere du Loup – Trois Pistoles
The Tuque
Lac Saint Jean
Laurentians
Mauricie
mingania
Montmagny-L’Islet
Drummondville – Bois Francs
Saguenay
Temiscaming
Temiscouata
Lanaudière
Lachute – Saint Jerome
Mont Laurier
Metropolitan Montreal-Laval
Richelieu Valley – Saint-Hyacinthe
Vaudreuil-Soulanges-Huntingdon

More regions could be added in the coming hours.

Advice and information from Environment Canada

Even in low concentrations, the smoke from forest fires can be harmful to health. Continue to take steps to protect your health and reduce your exposure to smoking.

People with lung conditions (such as asthma) or heart disease, the elderly, children, pregnant women, and people who work outdoors are at a higher risk of feeling the effects of tobacco smoke. forest fires on their health.

Stop outdoor activities and contact your doctor if you or someone in your care experiences shortness of breath, wheezing (including asthma attacks), severe cough, dizziness or chest pain. If you have symptoms or are unwell, stay indoors.

Maintain indoor air quality. Keep your doors and windows closed when the temperature in your home is comfortable. Use an air purifier with a high efficiency particulate filter (HEPA) in a room where you spend a lot of time. Avoid air purifiers that produce ozone. Check the filter and replace if necessary. For more information, see www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/using-portable-air-purifier-smoke-wildfires.html.

Take a break from smoke by temporarily relocating or finding a place in your community where the air is clean and fresh, such as a library, mall, or community center. For more information, contact the health or local authority in your area.

If you must spend time outdoors, wearing a properly fitted respirator (such as a NIOSH-approved N95 respirator or equivalent) that does not allow air to pass through the openings between the mask and your face can help to reduce exposure to fine smoke particles from wildfires. Particulate matter is generally the greatest health risk. However, breathing apparatus does not reduce exposure to gases contained in forest fire smoke. It’s important to listen to your body and reduce or stop your activities if you experience symptoms.

Pay special attention to the people you care for and consider checking out those around you who may be more vulnerable to smoking.

Heed the advice and instructions of the local authorities and vacate the premises if asked to do so.

Review your wildfire plan and make sure you have enough medical supplies in case smoke continues to appear in your community. Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve.

Take care of your sanity. It’s normal to feel anxious or isolated during an episode of smoking. If you are feeling stressed, anxious or depressed, consult your mental health professional or visit www.wellnesstogether.ca/en-CA.

Additional Information:

To learn more about the Info-Smog program, visit Environment Canada’s website at www.canada.ca/info-smog-program.

To learn more about the Quebec Air Quality Index, visit the Department of Environment and Combating Climate Change website at www.iqa.environnement.gouv.qc.ca/contenu/index.asp.

To learn more about the Montreal Air Quality Index, visit the City of Montreal’s Air Quality Monitoring Network website at www.rsqa.qc.ca.

For more information on the health impact of smog in Quebec, visit the Department of Health and Human Services website at www.quebec.ca/sante. You can also consult the website of the Direction régionale de santé publique de Montréal at www.santemontreal.qc.ca.

Please continue to be aware of Environment Canada warnings and forecasts.

Published by Environment Canada, Department of Environment and Combating Climate Change, Department of Health and Human Services, Montreal Regional Public Health Department and City of Montreal