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Prevent Wildfires

Évitons les feux évitables.

Human activity is the leading cause of wildfires.

Human-caused wildfires are preventable. Discover the main causes of wildfires and how small actions can make a big difference.

You can make a difference.

Au Québec, la majorité des feux de végétation surviennent au printemps

Au printemps, les pompiers municipaux et les pompiers forestiers de la SOPFEU interviennent en moyenne sur 275 incendies affectant la forêt. À cette époque de l’année, malgré le temps frais et les sols encore humides, le risque d’incendie est souvent très élevé. En fait, avant l’apparition de la feuillaison et de la verdure, le combustible au sol est composé d’herbes fanées, de feuilles mortes et de broussailles sèches, qui sont hautement inflammables. Il suffit de quelques heures d’ensoleillement et d’un peu de vent pour que la végétation morte s’assèche rapidement et que le niveau du danger d’incendie grimpe de façon substantielle. Un feu peut alors se propager sur une bonne distance et menacer la forêt de même que les bâtiments à proximité.

Main causes of wildfires

linked to human activity

Waste burning

Every year, an average of 75 forest fires are caused accidentally by waste burning.

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Campfires

Around 60 wildfires per year originate from a campfire that was either uncontrolled or not completely extinguished.

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Smoking articles

Every year, about 80 wildfires are caused by cigarette butts, matches, and other smoking items.

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Fireworks

Fireworks can be the cause of wildfires.

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All-terrain vehicles

Every year, approximately 10 wildfires are caused by ATVs.

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Hot ashes

Every year, SOPFEU has to intervene in fires caused by still-hot ashes disposed near the forest.

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Carole Helps the Forest | Burning

2025 Prevention Campaign | Burning Debris

Baby dragons don’t start wildfires. Humans do. Let’s avoid preventable fires.

Message available in French only.

Let’s prevent preventable fires.

In Quebec, 80% of wildfires are caused by careless behaviors, such as unattended campfires, cigarette butts, or burning waste. It is our responsibility to stay vigilant.

Let’s prevent preventable fires.

Prevention for everyone

Protect your home

It's important to prepare communities and their residents to limit the consequences of a threatened forest or wildfire.

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Youth

Do you know Garofeu? This little striped chipmunk is a special agent for forest fire prevention. Help him carry out his mission and share his safety tips with the whole family. Together, we can make a difference!

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Tools & Resources

Leading Human Causes of Wildfires

Currently only available in French. This downloadable brochure outlines the six leading human causes of wildfires in Québec. Clear and straightforward, it offers essential tips to help you adopt safe practices in forested areas.

Prevention
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