SOPFEU urges hunters to be extra careful
Prevention
On average, the Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU) intervenes in nearly forty forest fires during the fall. Recreational activities such as hunting are partly responsible for these fires. About ten forest and vegetation fires are caused by hunters each year. The SOPFEU therefore recommends that hunters follow good practices to avoid causing a fire.
At this time of year, many plants go dormant, lose their leaves, wither and become highly flammable. The protection organization reminds us that in the fall, a few hours of sunshine are enough to dry out dead leaves, twigs and other small combustibles that accumulate on the ground. It is therefore always necessary to remain vigilant with the use of fire and to consult the fire danger before accessing the forest.
Campsites and temporary shelters
A fire in a camp or a makeshift shelter (cache) can be a potential source of forest fires. Often, makeshift heating equipment is the cause of these fires. It is therefore necessary to ensure that the heating devices are in good working order and safe. In this regard, caution is particularly important since, in addition to being a risk to the forest, this type of fire can also jeopardize the safety of hunters.
All-terrain vehicles
During all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rides, dead leaves, mud or dry grass can sometimes stick to the underside of the ATV. When these clumps of organic matter come into contact with the hot parts of the engine or exhaust, they can cause a fire to start by igniting and falling to the ground. When the weather is dry, the fire can spread very quickly to the forest. When the fire danger is high, it is recommended to travel only on marked dirt, sand or gravel trails.
Smokers' items
SOPFEU reminds us that smokers must also take certain precautions. The Forest Protection Regulation stipulates that no one may smoke in or near the forest while performing work or while traveling. To smoke, you must therefore stop on a clear surface. Before resuming activities, you must extinguish the cigarette butt by wetting it and crushing it against a rock. You should never leave a cigarette butt in the forest. According to SOPFEU, a bottle with a little water in it or a container with a lid is an effective solution for returning it safely.
Campfires
Finally, campfires are also responsible for several forest fires each year. To enjoy it safely, SOPFEU recommends choosing a clear spot on ground that does not contain any combustible material (leaves, grass or other) and lighting a fire no larger than one metre by one metre. It is important to monitor the fire at all times and keep water nearby. Finally, when leaving, make sure to completely extinguish your campfire by watering it thoroughly and stirring the embers. In Quebec, the Forest Protection Regulation stipulates that you must remain on site until the fire is completely extinguished.
Since the start of the protection season in Quebec, 299 fires fought in intensive protection zones have affected 16,961 hectares of forest. SOPFEU would like to point out that approximately 80% of these fires are attributable to human activity. Everyone’s cooperation remains essential to reduce their number. Let’s avoid avoidable fires.