The state of emergency and the evacuation of residences north of Route 138 are maintained until Tuesday in Port-Cartier. Mayor Alain Thibault is reassuring this Saturday after taking stock with his emergency measures team and Sopfeu. The change in wind direction was more favorable today.
Mayor Thibault highlights the exemplary collaboration on the ground of the police, firefighters and municipal officials mobilized even before he declared a state of emergency at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 21. Residents of evacuated areas had access to their residences this afternoon to collect pets, medications and essential personal effects for a second night.
Help from Quebec
Today he appreciated the presence on the ground in Port-Cartier of the Minister responsible for the North Shore and Member of Parliament for Duplessis Kateri Champagne Jourdain. Alain Thibault spoke to Public Security Minister François Bonnardel this afternoon to ensure that the necessary help from Quebec will come.
For the moment, the fires are progressing according to an optimistic scenario. Air tankers are in action, but the intensity of the blazes does not yet allow ground teams to be deployed. Despite everything, the evacuation notice remains for the Dominique and Brunel parks sectors, as well as residences north of the 138.
With Soffeu
The City and Sopfeu will take stock every day with a press conference live from Port-Cartier City Hall at 1:30 p.m. Today, some fires are still out of control, meaning they continue to grow. A change in the direction of the prevailing winds coming from the southwest pushes the flames and smoke towards the northeast, which slows their progress towards the communities.
This favorable situation could, however, change. Suppression operations are underway in this area including air tanker and helicopter watering missions. For this reason, SOPFEU has established a “Risk Zone”, where it asks the population not to venture.
People who are unable to stay with family or friends or in a hotel can go to the Henry-Leonard Center in Baie-Comeau, 70 avenue Michel-Hémon. Temporary campsites are available in non-evacuated areas of Port-Cartier.
