More than 200 Spanish and Portuguese firefighters descended on Quebec City airport late Wednesday afternoon. The latter will come to lend a hand to the many firefighters who are already trying to put out fires that have been active for several weeks in the province of Quebec.
• Also read – Wildfires: Bonardell recommends that Montreal residents close their windows
“In times of crisis we see who our true friends are,” said Minister of International Relations and Francophonie Martine Peron, and thanked the firefighters for coming to the aid of Quebec.
In all, 94 sappers from Spain and 140 from Portugal will be dispatched to fight the fires currently raging near Chipogamao and north of Lac-Saint-Jean.
According to the head of the Portuguese mission, João Manuel Afonso, the troops have a great incentive to provide aid to the combatants currently deployed throughout Quebec.
“We’ve done our homework, analyzed the terrain and the weather ahead. […] We are here to do our best to help.”
“He was important to us. In this field, everyone needs everyone. We had a lot of help in Portugal, and now it’s our turn.”
According to Minister Peron, the assistance of these firefighters is timely because it will also make it possible to obtain “new forces” that will facilitate the rotation of the workforce.
Stephens LeBlanc/Journal de Quebec
Quebec’s strike force should also rise to nearly 1,500 fighters with international assistance, Public Security Minister François Bonardel announced at a news conference on Tuesday.
At the end of Thursday afternoon, 108 fires, including many that were out of control, were still active in the area while the number of hectares affected by the fire now totaled more than 900,000.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
What is the air quality index for your city and what are the health recommendations derived from?
Air quality index (US AQI)
101-150
Sensitive people
AQI: Good
Great day for outdoor activity.
AQI: Moderate
Some people may be particularly sensitive to fine particle pollution
People with special sensitivity: Consider reducing the duration and intensity of outdoor activities. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. These are signs of slowing down.
all others: Great day for outdoor activity.
AQI: BAD for
Sensitive people
Vulnerable groups include people with heart or lung disease, the elderly, children and adolescents, minorities, and outdoor workers.
Sensitive groups: Reduce the duration and intensity of outdoor activities. It’s okay to be active outside, but take more breaks. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.
Heart patients: Symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual tiredness may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare professional.
AQI: Bad
For everyone
Sensitive people: Avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities. Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors. *
all others: Reduce the duration and intensity of activities. Take more breaks from outdoor activities.
*Note: If you do not have air conditioning, staying indoors with the windows closed can be dangerous in very hot weather. If you feel hot, go somewhere with air conditioning or check with your municipality to see if cooling centers are available in your community.
AQI: Too bad
Sensitive people: Avoid all physical activity outdoors. Defer it to a time when the air quality is better or move activities indoors. *
all others: Avoid prolonged or strenuous activities. Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors. *
*Note: If you don’t have air conditioning, staying indoors with the windows closed can be dangerous in very hot weather. If you feel hot, go somewhere with air conditioning or check with your municipality to see if cooling centers are available in your community.
AQI: decisive
all others: Avoid all physical activity outdoors.
Sensitive people: Stay indoors and keep your activity level low. Follow tips for keeping particulate matter levels indoors. *
*Note: If you don’t have air conditioning, staying indoors with the windows closed can be dangerous in very hot weather. If you feel hot, go somewhere with air conditioning or check with your municipality to see if cooling centers are available in your community.
