After Alberta and Nova Scotia, it is Quebec’s turn to be hit by “never seen” fires: 150 fires are currently active, including a hundred considered out of control. And no significant rain is expected until Monday evening.
“With the staff we currently have, we can cover about 40 fires at the same time, but there are 150 in operation,” said the Premier of Quebec, François Legault. “We need to focus on where it is most urgent,” he continued.
Challenge
Quebec has deployed hundreds of people on the ground. With international aid, including the hundred firefighters from France who are due to arrive by Friday, the province hopes to increase its workforce to 1,200 people. The question of equipment and staff will be crucial in the days to come, recognize the authorities.
“The more time goes on, the more challenges there will be for the drivers and mechanics. There is an issue on that side, ”pointed out François Legault.
The French-speaking province has recorded 438 fires since the beginning of the year, against an average of 200 on the same date over the past ten years. The situation is also considered exceptional by the authorities in terms of the number of hectares burned at this time of the year. Canada as a whole is experiencing an unprecedented year: 2,293 forest fires have been recorded and approximately 3.8 million hectares burned, or 15 times the area usually affected at this time of year.
2023-06-07 18:03:31
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