Quebec expands open-fire ban as nine active wildfires rage in protected zones
The province has added restrictions near forested areas as dry conditions persist and 270 fires have burned over 70,000 hectares so far this year.
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Quebec expanded its ban on open fires near forested areas on Monday, July 6, as dry conditions fuel widespread wildfire activity across the province.
Authorities report nine active forest fires in the Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ) and 191 fires in the Northern Zone (NTZ). Since the beginning of 2026, a total of 270 fires have burned more than 70,000 hectares in the IPZs, and 233 fires have affected more than a quarter million hectares in the northern zone.
The expanded ban affects multiple regions, including Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Capitale-Nationale, Côte-Nord, Lanaudière, Laurentides, Mauricie, Nord-du-Québec, Outaouais, and Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean. Specific municipalities within these regions are listed on an interactive map available on the Partenariat Données Québec website.
It is forbidden to light a fire or be on the premises of one in any banned area. Violations can result in fines and other penalties. Residents and visitors are urged to check current restrictions before planning outdoor activities. An interactive map of all areas covered by the ban is available online to help people identify whether their location is affected.
