Forestry Industry
Protecting the forest. Protecting jobs.
Quebec's forest industry plays a crucial role in wildfire prevention. Despite sustained efforts, 224 fires have been caused by forestry operations over the past ten years. The main sources of ignition include machinery use, burning, all-terrain vehicles, and cigarette butts. These incidents highlight the importance of constant vigilance and adherence to recommendations to reduce risks and improve this record.
SOPFEU Members
In the past, the forestry industry and owners or managers of private forests of at least 800 contiguous hectares contributed directly to SOPFEU's funding and wildfire suppression costs alongside the Quebec government, and each sector player was a paying SOPFEU member. Today, the government covers these costs, but membership status still applies to companies operating in public or private forests.
Member Responsibilities
Forest fire protection is a shared responsibility between SOPFEU and its members. Members must comply with restrictions recommended by SOPFEU in collaboration with the Quebec government.
Minimum Standards and Forestry Inspections
Preventive inspection standards apply to SOPFEU members and their service providers. Minimum forest fire prevention standards must be upheld by SOPFEU members. The forestry industry must also collaborate with SOPFEU regarding preventive inspections.
Authorization for Forest Work & Industrial Burn Permits
Any company or organization planning industrial forestry work must obtain an authorization or permit from SOPFEU.
Legal Obligations for Forestry Work
Section III (Fire Prevention) of the Sustainable Forest Management Act and the associated Forest Protection Regulation outline several obligations for the forestry industry and large landowners regarding wildfire protection.
Chapter VI.I (Forest Fire Protection Agency) of the Fire Safety Act also sets directives for forest users.
Preventing Wildfires
SOPFEU provides tools to help forestry industry stakeholders strengthen their fire prevention efforts.
Fire Danger Index
The fire danger index allows operations to be adjusted based on the level of risk. It is available daily on the SOPFEU app and website. These tools also provide notifications about changes in fire danger based on the selected location.
The Use of Cigarettes in the Forest
Under Article 6 of the Forest Protection Regulation, from April 1 to November 15, no one is allowed to smoke in the forest or near it while performing work or during travel, unless it is inside a building or a closed vehicle.
To reduce the risks, SOPFEU recommends that smokers who work in the forest or engage in recreational activities there adopt the following behaviors:
Avoid disposing of a cigarette butt out of a vehicle window.
When smoking, remain stationary on a cleared surface (dirt, sand, or gravel).
Do not smoke while walking or riding an ATV.
Extinguish the cigarette butt by wetting it or crushing it on a rock.
Do not throw the cigarette butt on the ground.
Dispose of the cigarette butt in a container brought for that purpose.
Offenses and possible penalties
The Sustainable Forest Management Act and the Forest Protection Regulation state that anyone violating smoking regulations commits an offence and is subject to a fine of $1,000 to $5,000.
Forestry Work
Article 192 of the Sustainable Forest Management Act stipulates that any individual or organization carrying out or commissioning forestry work, unless it involves forest management activities under a plan developed or approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests, must inform SOPFEU of their intention and obtain a protection plan from this agency, if deemed necessary. The fees for the analysis to determine whether a plan is required and, if applicable, those related to its preparation, are to be borne by the individual or organization executing or commissioning the forestry work when the work is planned outside the intensive protection zone.
This plan must be submitted for approval by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests. The costs incurred by the monitoring activities outlined in the plan are to be borne by the individual or organization carrying out the forestry work.
Preventive measures affecting forestry work
When conditions are conducive to the outbreak of fires, preventive measures are implemented to reduce the likelihood of ignition and protect all forest users.
Restrictions on Forestry Work
This measure recommends suspending logging and silvicultural operations, particularly activities using machinery or motorized equipment on vegetative soil (cutting, clearing, skidding, trimming, pruning, road construction, welding, ATV use, etc.), as well as reforestation work, whether mechanical or manual.
These restrictions apply to the forestry industry, its subcontractors, and any industry conducting work in forested areas on vegetative soil.
A specific protocol must be established for reforestation work during forestry work restrictions.
Responsible Authority: SOPFEU, in coordination with the Liaison and Partner Information Committees (CLIP) and the Ministry of Public Security.
Anyone failing to comply with these regulations commits an offence and is subject to a fine ranging from $500 to $50,000 under Article 239 of the Sustainable Forest Management Act.
Forest Access and Travel Restrictions
Under Article 150.9 of the Fire Safety Act, this measure allows the Minister of Public Security to restrict or prohibit access to or travel in forested areas for public safety during a wildfire or when fire risk is high.
This measure may include:
Prohibiting access or travel in the forest.
Closing roads and restricting access to public lands for public interest reasons.
Applicable to: All forest users
Responsible Authority: Ministry of Public Security, in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests and SOPFEU
Use of Fire as a Silvicultural Treatment
Article 193 requires anyone using fire as a silvicultural treatment to comply with directives from the protection agency, which must be approved by the Minister beforehand.
Preventive Measures affecting Silvicultural Treatment and the Use of Fire
When conditions are conducive to the outbreak of fires, preventive measures are implemented to reduce the likelihood of ignition and protect all forest users.
Cancellation and Suspension of Industrial Burning
When necessary, SOPFEU can cancel active industrial burning permits and suspend issuing new ones until conditions improve.
Responsible Authority: SOPFEU
Fire Ban
Under Article 150.9 of the Fire Safety Act, this measure allows the Minister of Public Security to prohibit fires in specified areas to ensure public safety during a wildfire or when fire risk is high.
Applicable to: All forest users
Responsible Authority: Ministry of Public Security, in collaboration with SOPFEU
Anyone violating these measures ordered by the Minister commits an offence and is subject to a fine of $500 to $50,000 under Article 155.1 of the Fire Safety Act.
Restrictions on Forestry Work
This measure recommends suspending logging and silvicultural operations, particularly activities using machinery or motorized equipment on vegetative soil (cutting, clearing, skidding, trimming, pruning, road construction, welding, ATV use, etc.), as well as reforestation work, whether mechanical or manual.
These restrictions apply to the forestry industry, its subcontractors, and any industry conducting work in forested areas on vegetative soil.
A specific protocol must be established for reforestation work during forestry work restrictions.
Responsible Authority: SOPFEU, in coordination with the Liaison and Partner Information Committees (CLIP) and the Ministry of Public Security.
Anyone failing to comply with these regulations commits an offence and is subject to a fine ranging from $500 to $50,000 under Article 239 of the Sustainable Forest Management Act.
Forest Access and Travel Restrictions
Under Article 150.9 of the Fire Safety Act, this measure allows the Minister of Public Security to restrict or prohibit access to or travel in forested areas for public safety during a wildfire or when fire risk is high.
This measure may include:
Prohibiting access or travel in the forest.
Closing roads and restricting access to public lands for public interest reasons.
Applicable to: All forest users
Responsible Authority: Ministry of Public Security, in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests and SOPFEU
Industrial Burning
Under Article 190 of the Sustainable Forest Management Act, from April 1 to November 15, a permit is required for lighting fires in or near the forest, except as permitted by the Forest Protection Regulation.
SOPFEU issues these permits under conditions set by government regulations and may impose precautionary measures based on each request.
Preventive measures affecting industrial burning permits and authorizations
When conditions are conducive to the outbreak of fires, preventive measures are implemented to reduce the likelihood of ignition and protect all forest users.
Cancellation and Suspension of Industrial Burning
When necessary, SOPFEU can cancel active industrial burning permits and suspend issuing new ones until conditions improve.
Responsible Authority: SOPFEU
Fire Ban
Under Article 150.9 of the Fire Safety Act, this measure allows the Minister of Public Security to prohibit fires in specified areas to ensure public safety during a wildfire or when fire risk is high.
Applicable to: All forest users
Responsible Authority: Ministry of Public Security, in collaboration with SOPFEU
Anyone violating these measures ordered by the Minister commits an offence and is subject to a fine of $500 to $50,000 under Article 155.1 of the Fire Safety Act.
Restrictions on Forestry Work
This measure recommends suspending logging and silvicultural operations, particularly activities using machinery or motorized equipment on vegetative soil (cutting, clearing, skidding, trimming, pruning, road construction, welding, ATV use, etc.), as well as reforestation work, whether mechanical or manual.
These restrictions apply to the forestry industry, its subcontractors, and any industry conducting work in forested areas on vegetative soil.
A specific protocol must be established for reforestation work during forestry work restrictions.
Responsible Authority: SOPFEU, in coordination with the Liaison and Partner Information Committees (CLIP) and the Ministry of Public Security.
Anyone failing to comply with these regulations commits an offence and is subject to a fine ranging from $500 to $50,000 under Article 239 of the Sustainable Forest Management Act.
Forest Access and Travel Restrictions
Under Article 150.9 of the Fire Safety Act, this measure allows the Minister of Public Security to restrict or prohibit access to or travel in forested areas for public safety during a wildfire or when fire risk is high.
This measure may include:
Prohibiting access or travel in the forest.
Closing roads and restricting access to public lands for public interest reasons.
Applicable to: All forest users
Responsible Authority: Ministry of Public Security, in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests and SOPFEU
Tools & Resources
Outlines wildfire prevention standards for forestry companies. Defines the responsibilities of SOPFEU and its member companies, including preventive inspections to ensure safe operations. (This document is available in french)
A form for silvicultural companies that, under certain conditions, may continue reforestation activities during preventive measures. Establishes monitoring requirements in affected areas. (This document is available in french)
Allows manual reforestation work to be excluded from suspended activities during forest operation shutdowns. (This document is available in french)