By Canadian Press

Smog, air quality alerts in place across much of Quebec as wildfires continue to burn

Jul 1, 2023 | 3:21 PM

MONTREAL — Environment Canada has issued a smog warning for a large part of Quebec as forest fires continue to burn in the provinces northwest.

The federal department says smog can be expected in the northwestern Abitibi-Témiscamingue region, as well as in a large area stretching from Gatineau, Que., near Ottawa, to the province’s eastern border with the state of Maine.

That area includes Montreal, which has experienced several smog days this week, and Quebec City.

Environment Canada has issued an air quality alert for other areas further north, including parts of the province’s far north. 

Quebec’s wildfire prevention agency says there are 96 fires currently burning in the province, including one new fire reported on Friday, though only three are considered out of control.

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All Quebec residents who had been forced from their homes by the blazes have been allowed to return, though an evacuation order remains in place for a rural area with 60 cottages in the city of Senneterre, Que. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 1, 2023. 

The Canadian Press