Quebec evacuates thousands as wildfires engulf Canada


Quebec: Northern Quebec's largest town is under evacuation orders as firefighters battle numerous out-of-control wildfires in remote communities across the province. 

Quebec forest fire prevention agency reported over 150 forest fires burning on Tuesday, with more than 110 classified as out of control.

The effects of the intense Canadian wildfires are reaching far beyond Quebec, enveloping the northeastern US and parts of Eastern Canada in a hazy atmosphere, causing air quality concerns and prompting warnings for vulnerable populations to stay indoors.

Chibougamau, a town of approximately 7,500 people, received evacuation orders late Tuesday as authorities deemed it necessary to ensure residents' safety. 

The evacuation is currently underway, and more information will be provided on Wednesday.

Premier François Legault expressed concerns about several regions, particularly Abitibi-Témiscamingue in northwestern Quebec. 

The communities of Normétal and Lebel-sur-Quévillon are under threat, although the fire's progress has been slower than anticipated in Lebel-sur-Quévillon due to the absence of trees in the initial area of the fire.

Other at-risk northern communities include Chibougamau and the Cree village of Chisasibi on the eastern shore of James Bay. 

Firefighting resources have been deployed to Hydro-Québec's Micoua substation near Baie-Comeau.

The situation remains challenging, with Quebec's Natural Resources Minister, Maïté Blanchette Vézina, highlighting the difficulty of fighting the fires without the prospect of rainfall in the short term.

Evacuees in the province currently number over 8,300, down from 10,000 at the beginning of the week, but the Abitibi region continues to pose a concern.

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