Safety instructions in the event of a forest fire

Follow the instructions below to ensure your safety and that of your loved ones in the event of a forest fire. An evacuation notice may be issued for a given population or an enterprise; we would ask that you comply with the instructions and recommendations of authorities at all times. 

Before driving off, learn more about the road conditions by checking the Web site Québec 511 or by calling 511. Reach out to your municipality to inquire about the condition of municipal roads.

• Identify several evacuation routes, given that forest fires can limit or block traffic.
• Look at SOPFEU’s map showing the zones touched by forest fires to plan your movements.
• Remember to bring your vehicle emergency kit with you.
• Make sure your vehicle is in a condition to enable you to reach your planned destination (mechanically and in terms of fuel).
• Notify your relatives or loved ones of where you are headed and the route you will be taking. Respect all road signs and other indications, whether you are on foot, aboard a vehicle, on a bicycle or ATV, in a boat, etc.
• Comply with any safety perimeters set up prohibiting access and movement in a forest zone.
• Keep your vehicle’s windows closed and only circulate the air inside of it to avoid letting in smoke or fumes.  

How to proceed when a convoy is organized to facilitate movement 

A convoy may be organized when residences are isolated by a nearby fire, and this for the purpose of bringing in supplies or evacuating the occupants, as the case may be.  

Should such a measure be instituted, follow the instructions of the authorities at the site and take only the road identified for this purpose, making sure to:

• follow the escort vehicle;
• not pass any another vehicle;
• never stop.

You may need to leave your home if you are at risk or at the request of authorities. If this is the case and you are unsure where to go, contact your municipality.

Before leaving, close all of your home’s doors and windows and lock all doors.

If you have time, without endangering your safety:

• Copiously water your land and the roofs of buildings.
• Shut off the power and gas if asked to do so by authorities. Follow the manufacturer or service provider’s instructions when doing so. Should there be a discernible odour or if you see broken natural gas materials or equipment, leave your home immediately and contact the emergency service of your natural gas distributor.

Before leaving, remember to take essential items that you and each of your family members will need, namely :

• medication;
• personal hygiene products;
• clothing;
• blankets;
• money;
• identification;  
• keys to your vehicle and home;
• baby milk/formula, feeding bottle and diapers;
• electronic devices and chargers;
• items required to ensure the well-being of persons with special needs;
• items needed for your service dog or pets.

Round up all of your family members and meet at the location provided for in your evacuation plan.

Notify your loved ones and the municipality of where you plan to seek refuge, ideally by means of text messages, e-mail or social media posts. This will free up the phone lines for emergency calls and for use by emergency workers.

If you are headed to a temporary shelter where services will be available, register with the personnel on site.

Note that evacuated sectors are actively monitored by the authorities to ensure the safety of the areas in question.

Ensuring the well-being of your animals in the event of an evacuation

Put your pets in a safe place (in French only) or take them with you to the temporary accommodation centre if it is allowed.

Persons likely to be exposed to forest fires or smoke plumes while doing their work can obtain information by familiarizing themselves with the prevention measures established by the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST, in French only).