A fire burning hundreds of hectares on the outskirts of Normetal in Abidibi-Temiskaming is dangerously close to homes in the municipality of about 800 people.
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The fire spread on Wednesday evening due to the wind, the spokesperson of the MRC d’Abitibi-Ouest told our colleague Yves Poirier.
“The fire advanced today because of the wind. We went from 4 km to 500 meters from the municipality. More intense fighting followed in the evening with air tanker attacks to put out the fire and protect the settlements. Teams from various fire brigades will be on site throughout the night to spray around the center of the village. The hard work of dedicated volunteers to save their village. A tightly woven Abitibi-Ovest people’s unity,” said Denis Beauregard.
Although the weather forecast is not favorable for the region, an entire community is holding its breath in the face of the flames’ staggering progress.
Route 117 in the Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve is threatened by wildfires.
The towns of Senneterre and Lebel-sur-Quévillon are also on alert.
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