Forest Fires - Ban on Open Fires in or Near Forests

Ministry of Public Safety Quebec

The Ministry of Public Safety will ban open fires in or near forests effective June 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. due to current conditions. This decision was made in collaboration with SOPFEU.

For the Outaouais region (07): Papineau, Gatineau, Les Collines-de-l'Outaouais, La Vallée-de-la-Gatineau, Pontiac.

Currently, there are two active wildfires in Quebec, but firefighting operations are progressing smoothly, with all fires contained or under control. Since the start of the fire season, 177 fires have affected 180.7 hectares. The 10-year average for the same date is 206 fires covering 87,999.6 hectares of burned forest.

The purpose of this ban is to limit the risk of forest fires. Everyone’s cooperation is essential. Therefore, it is prohibited to light or maintain an open fire or to be present at a location where such a fire is burning.

Please note that under section 155.1 of the Fire Safety Act, anyone who violates an order prohibiting the lighting of open fires in or near a forest, or any other measure imposed by the Minister, is liable to a fine in addition to the payment of costs.