Intense Forest Fire Approaching Fermont, Quebec Sparks Evacuation Preparations

Residents of Fermont, Quebec, are on high alert as a pre-evacuation notice, issued on Friday night, remains in effect on Saturday. An intense forest fire burning north of the municipality in Labrador has now crossed into Quebec territory.

The fire, located north of Fermont, Labrador, is approximately 15 kilometers away from the town, according to the Forest Fire Protection Society (SOPFEU). The city has warned residents about a potential deterioration in air quality in the coming hours, advising them to stay indoors.

If evacuated, Fermont residents will need to take Route 389, which remains open, to reach Baie-Comeau, a roughly seven-hour car journey due to neighboring towns being evacuated. Mayor Martin St-Laurent emphasizes staying informed as the situation is rapidly evolving.

In Labrador, the fire has forced evacuations in Labrador City and Wabush, with the blaze nearing the Bloom Lake mining complex by the end of Saturday. Efforts are underway to protect the facilities of Iron Ore Company of Canada.

Meanwhile, at Mont-Wright, ArcelorMittal halted operations due to thick smoke and poor air quality to ensure worker safety. The SOPFEU has declared the uncontrolled blaze a top priority.

As the fire, which has covered 14,004 hectares, advances closer to Fermont, SOPFEU has deployed two air tankers, an air attack officer, a helicopter, and about twenty forest firefighters to combat the fire along with Newfoundland and Labrador authorities to contain the spread into Quebec territory.

The regional public health authority issued a poor air quality alert for Fermont due to the wildfire smoke, urging residents to limit outdoor exposure, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and individuals with respiratory or cardiac conditions.

Across the Côte-Nord region, an open fire ban is in effect to mitigate forest fire risks. The situation is being closely monitored, and updates will be provided as it develops. Caution is advised, and residents are urged to stay home.