CANADA VIBES NEWSROOM · ÉDITION DU MATIN | MORNING EDITION
Saturday, July 18, 2026 · 7:00 AM ET
Quebec’s public security ministry and forest-fire agency SOPFEU have widened a ban on open fires in or near forests across several regions, citing persistent drought and exceptional strain on firefighting resources.
Quebec’s Ministry of Public Security, working with the Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU), expanded its ban on open-air fires in or near forested areas, in effect since July 6 at 6 p.m.
The measure covers Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Capitale-Nationale, Côte-Nord, Lanaudière, the Laurentians, Mauricie, Nord-du-Québec, Outaouais and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean — regions north of the St. Lawrence River experiencing dry conditions.
SOPFEU’s latest figures show about a dozen fires active in the intensive protection zone, while roughly 190 were burning in the northern zone, where suppression efforts are typically limited.
Officials note that some activities remain permitted under strict conditions, such as cooking fires on developed land with fixed installations. Violators face fines.
The ban comes amid a summer of heightened wildfire activity nationwide, with smoke from multiple fire zones degrading air quality in several regions.
What to watch
- Whether the ban is lifted or extended depending on rainfall.
- SOPFEU’s daily fire-danger index on its interactive map.
- Possible further restrictions if drought conditions persist into August.
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