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Preventive measures and restrictions

Why are measures needed?

To avoid the ignition of new forest fires, preventive measures and restrictions are put in place when conditions become conducive to the outbreak of fires. Such measures make it possible to reduce the risks linked to human activities and to preserve sufficient operational capacity to effectively combat ongoing fires. They are aimed at both industry and the public and vary depending on the situation.

Measures for the public

Fire ban

In times of increased fire risk, a ban on open fires may be imposed in or near forests. This preventive measure is used to prevent the outbreak of new fires and applies to any fire that can spread freely. It is prohibited to light a fire that burns freely or could spread freely. A campfire, fireworks, instruments producing flames or sparks are examples of open fires. Fires in devices equipped with spark arresters and installed on mineral ground remain permitted. It is essential to verify municipal regulations, as some municipalities may adopt more severe restrictions.

Yes, if they are equipped with a spark arrester and placed on mineral ground (Example: Clay, gravel, concrete, etc.).

Such devices are not considered to be installations capable of creating sparks. You can therefore continue to use them.

If your fire can reach the forest through embers or dry vegetation, you are close.

Prohibition of access to the forest and closure of forest roads

This ban is put in place for reasons of public safety when the spread of fires could threaten people or isolate individuals through road closures. It applies to any person, except those authorized by the authorities. A person found in a public forest must leave the area safely as soon as possible. The ban only applies to forest roads and forest access. These measures make it possible to limit the number of new fire outbreaks while guaranteeing safe evacuation in the event of a critical situation.

Any person travelling throughout Quebec is affected by this ban, except for those authorized by a representative of the Minister or of the forest protection organization recognized by the Minister.

If you find yourself in a public forest within the zone covered by the ban, you are asked to leave the area safely as soon as possible. The ban only applies to forest roads and forest access.

If there is no evacuation notice in effect, you can stay there. The ban only applies to forest roads and forest access.

No, in addition to access to the forest, which is prohibited, it is not possible to travel on forest roads within these sectors, except for people authorized by a representative of the Minister or of the forest protection organization recognized by the Minister.

No.

Area at risk

SOPFEU identifies Areas at risk in sectors where there are fire suppression operations in progress and where the safety of the population could be threatened. It is not recommended to travel there, as difficult and unpredictable conditions could endanger lives.

Consult the maps updated by SOPFEU and follow the official notices.

It is not prohibited to access an Area at risk, but this is strongly discouraged.

Ban on flying over a forest fire (NOTAM)

A NOTAM (Notice to airmen) is put in place when a forest fire is active. Canadian Aviation Regulations prohibit flyovers below 3,000 feet AGL and within a radius of five nautical miles of a wildfire. This restriction aims to ensure the safety of SOPFEU operations, in particular air tankers and helicopters. Any aerial intrusion, including drones, is prohibited. As soon as an infringing aircraft is detected, SOPFEU must temporarily end its flight operations, thus delaying the fight against fires and increasing the risk of the fire spreading.

No, the restriction is automatic as soon as a fire is active.

No, a drone is considered an aircraft, and its use is prohibited in all circumstances.

It endangers firefighting aircraft pilots and slows down interventions.

Measures for industry

Restriction of work in the forest

When conditions in the forest require it, SOPFEU can recommend to its members in the forestry and silvicultural industry that forestry work be stopped to avoid the ignition of new fires and limit spread. Among the suspended activities, we find activities carried out on the topsoil using machinery or motorized equipment (felling, clearing, skidding, skidding, bucking, limbing, road construction, welding, use of ATVs, etc.) and reforestation work, whether mechanical or manual. Certain activities on mineral ground or without motorized equipment remain permitted.

Forestry work involving motorized equipment on vegetated soil.

SOPFEU informs companies, but it is up to them to decide whether to suspend their operations.

Suspension of burning permits

When the fire danger index is high, SOPFEU may suspend the issuance of burning permits for industrial purposes and cancel those in progress. This measure aims to prevent the lighting of new fires. Although domestic burning is not affected, it is strongly recommended to consult municipal regulations before lighting a fire.

Industrial burning carried out in or near forests.

Industrial burning requiring a permit issued by SOPFEU is a controlled fire conducted in or near a forest. Its purpose is to destroy various materials, particularly woody debris cut and cleared during deforestation, for industrial or commercial purposes.

Domestic burning is a small-scale fire conducted by individuals, primarily to dispose of green waste such as branches and leaves.

This depends on municipal regulations, but caution is recommended.