On June 13, 2026, the Ministry of Public Security of Quebec announced the removal of the province-wide prohibition that barred open‑air fires in forests and surrounding areas. The announcement marks a reversal of a long‑standing rule that had been applied across the entire province.
The ban had been instituted as a preventative measure aimed at lowering the risk of wildfires. By forbidding open fires in wooded zones and nearby locations, authorities sought to limit the ignition sources that could spark large‑scale forest fires, especially during dry periods.
With the prohibition now lifted, the restriction that once covered all forested lands in Quebec no longer applies. The Ministry of Public Security indicated that the policy change takes effect immediately, allowing individuals to light open fires in forested settings where previously they would have been prohibited.
The decision follows the province's earlier stance of tightly controlling fire use in natural areas to protect both public safety and the environment. While the ban was a cornerstone of Quebec's wildfire mitigation strategy, officials have now opted to discontinue the blanket prohibition. The shift reflects a new approach to managing fire risk, though specific details about any accompanying safety guidelines were not provided in the announcement.
The removal of the ban may influence outdoor activities such as camping and picnicking, which often involve the use of open flames. However, the Ministry of Public Security has not issued additional instructions regarding how the change will be monitored or enforced. Residents and visitors are expected to remain aware of fire safety practices despite the lifting of the province‑wide restriction.
The policy adjustment comes after years of the ban being in place, underscoring a significant change in Quebec's fire management framework. Authorities will continue to address wildfire concerns through other measures, even as the open‑air fire prohibition is no longer in force.