Open fire bans are currently in effect in many parts of southwestern Quebec as the province faces an exceptionally hot and dry October.

The bans apply in the regions of Lanaudière, Laurentides, Montérégie, Outaouais and Abitibi-Témiscamingue.

La Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU) first informed the public of these bans on Friday, when 11 forest fires were underway.

As of Saturday afternoon, eight fires were active in the province, including four in the Outaouais region. All were considered under control.

SOPFEU reports that weather conditions since August have resulted in nearly 80 fires since the beginning of the month, well above the average of 16 for the entire month of October.

The company said that almost all of the fires started since the beginning of the mo

See Full Page