Transformed into the epicenter of the forest fires that have hit much of Canada, Quebec plans to evacuate thousands of people in the coming weeks, the premier of the province announced on Wednesday (7).

Eleven thousand people have already abandoned their homes in this province and now the evacuation of another 4,000 is in preparation.

After Alberta and Nova Scotia, Quebec is facing “invisible” fires. Currently, there are 150 assets and of these, 100 are out of control.

“With the personnel we have, we can cover about 40 fires at the same time, but there are 150 active,” said Quebec Premier François Legault. “We have to deal with the most urgent ones,” he added.

Quebec has mobilized hundreds of people to fight the fire and hopes to reach 1,120 with international aid, in particular with the arrival of French firefighters.

“The more time passes, the greater the challenge,” Legault said.

Since the beginning of the year, 438 fires have been recorded in this French-speaking province, against an average of 200 at the same period over the last ten years.

The number of hectares burned at this time of year is also exceptional, according to the authorities.

All of Canada is experiencing an unprecedented year: 2,203 forest fires were recorded and nearly 3.8 million hectares were burned; an amount well above the average of recent decades.

The country, which due to its geographical location is warming faster than the rest of the planet, has faced extreme weather events in recent years, the intensity and frequency of which have increased due to climate change.

Within days, the fires deteriorated air quality. The capital, Ottawa, as well as Toronto and New York are immersed in a gray haze, dangerous, especially for children and the elderly. In Washington, there was a strong smell and the sky was overcast despite the sunny weather.

The White House has urged Americans with health issues to protect themselves from air pollution.

“We encourage everyone in affected areas to be aware of the conditions [climáticas] State and local governments,” White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters.

“Check how your neighbors, friends and family are doing. Take precautions, especially those with health issues,” he recommended.

(AFP)

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