The Quebec government announced on July 8, 2026 that all open‑air fires are now prohibited in the forests located north of the St. Lawrence River. The decision comes as the province grapples with more than 200 active wildfires burning across its northern region.
Under the new order, any kind of open‑air burning, whether for campfires, cooking, clearing debris or agricultural purposes, is illegal within the defined area. Violators may face fines or other penalties as authorities seek to limit additional ignition sources.
The ban follows a rapid increase in fire activity that officials say has strained firefighting resources and threatened nearby communities. The northern forests, traditionally less populated, have seen a concentration of hotspots that have grown in size and number over the past weeks.
Fire crews from the provincial Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks have been deployed to more than 200 sites, working to contain blazes that have already consumed thousands of hectares. The restriction aims to reduce human‑caused sparks that could exacerbate the already extensive burn area.
The measure aligns with earlier temporary restrictions that were introduced earlier in the fire season, but expands the coverage to the entire region north of the river. Officials stress that the ban is temporary and will be reviewed as fire activity declines.
Residents and visitors to the affected zones are urged to observe the prohibition and report any unauthorized fires to emergency services. The province hopes that eliminating open‑air flames will help curb the spread of the current fire outbreak and protect the forest ecosystem.