Quebec and Switzerland Enforce Forest Fire Bans Amid Heatwave

In northern Quebec, authorities report 42 active forest fires, two of which are under observation on the Côte‑Nord. The Ministry of Public Security has extended a ban on open fires across the territory north of the 51st parallel due to extreme fire danger, with most ignitions caused by lightning. Minister Ian Lafrenière notes no communities are currently threatened, while SOPFEU has deployed firefighters, helicopters and water‑dropping aircraft to monitor and contain the blazes.

In Switzerland, a severe heatwave and dry spring have heightened forest‑fire risk, prompting several cantons to impose restrictions or total bans on open fires. The Federal Office for the Environment indicates that about 90 % of fires stem from human activity. Cantons such as Valais, Aargau and Liechtenstein have issued prohibitions, and authorities advise strict fire‑safety practices, including proper extinguishment and reporting any ignition to emergency services (118).