By Canadian Press

Quebec wildfire smoke causes widespread smog warnings, grounds some water bombers

Jun 26, 2023 | 10:35 AM

MONTREAL — Smoke from the wildfires burning across northern Quebec has forced the grounding some of the province’s water bombers and is causing widespread smog warnings farther south. 

A spokesman for the province’s forest fire prevention agency says there are 29 fires burning out of control. 

Nicolas Vigneault says the heavy smoke has reduced visibility, meaning that some water bombers and helicopters haven’t been able to take off. 

However, he says heavy rain and some wind is expected in the most affected parts of the province in the coming days, which should help firefighting efforts.

While he says no towns are under immediate risk of burning, the fires have forced thousands of Quebecers from their homes.

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Environment Canada has issued smog warnings for much of the province, including Montreal and Quebec City, due to poor air quality caused by fine particles in the air.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 26, 2023.

The Canadian Press