Several images of the fire, which started at the Dieppe summit on the north face of Mont Saint-Hilaire, have circulated on social networks. The cause of the fire is unknown.
Vallée-du-Richelieu firefighters decided not to intervene on Saturday due to darkness. By 8:30 p.m., the fire had already subsided, prompting firefighters to wait until Sunday. However, no smoke or flames were already seen on Mont Saint-Hilaire.
Two agents of the Society for the Protection of Forests Against Fire (SOPFEU) must visit the scene, conduct an investigation with the municipal fire personnel and submit a report to the regional center for the fight against forest fires.
Fire at night, it rests, which means that generally, it does not advance at night because the temperature is low. […] The wind is low [et] There is high humidity
Prevention and Communication Coordinator of the pointed out SOPFEUStephen Caron.
However, authorities have to verify that there are no embers or possible explosions that have been reported following this fire. To prevent it from rising from the ashes, you need to make sure that there is no remaining hot spot
Mr. Karen said.
Officials also recommend that walkers do not stray from marked paths to avoid hazards.
Fires are less frequent in November
Three wildfires are currently active in Quebec: Saint-Damase-de-L’Islet (under control), Lac-Sainte-Marie in the Outaouais (contained) and Lake Kénogami (under control). As of November 2022, Quebec has already experienced 11 wildfires, while an average of 3.5 fires per month over the past ten years.
In November 1985, 25 fires were reported, and in 1984, 20 fires occurred in the month. “It’s hard to predict whether those numbers will be surpassed in 2022 because we’re so early in the month,” Caron noted.
Wildfires are rare this time of year, but not exceptional
He recalled.
” The weather brings us a heat wave that dries up fuel on the ground [et la situation] Conducive to the spread of fire. »
In the 2022 season, 406 wildfires were reported SOPFEU, an average of 469 over the last ten years. Areas burned were smaller this year, at 281 hectares, compared to an average of 18,830 hectares destroyed. A wet and rainy summer with quick interventions by SOPFEU firefighters made it possible to save a good portion of the forest, said Mr. Karen explained.
A single plane tanker from SOPFEU Currently available to fight fires, Mr. Karen warned. Of the 14 aircraft available to Quebec government services, two are on loan to California, while the others receive annual maintenance at a hangar in Quebec.
And in case of forest fire, from several groups SOPFEU Remember to turn them off, Mr. Karen finished.
With information from Jean-Philippe Hughes
