On Monday, workers continued to battle with more than 50 forest fires in Quebec. According to the Sopfeu, the province’s forest fire protection agency, eight of these fires are still considered to be burning out of control. More than 1,200 firefighters, including some from Maine and New Hampshire, are working to put out the fires. The overall situation has improved over the weekend but authorities are still concerned.

One fire north of Trois-Rivières forced over 1,300 people to spend a fifth night away from home. The Red Cross has stepped in to help Quebec. They are providing transportation and shelter for those displaced by the fires.

Smog alerts have been issued in Quebec and parts of Ontario. The City of Montreal’s air quality monitoring stations indicated the worst readings were in Ste. Anne de Bellevue and areas of downtown. Doctors have warned residents to stay indoors and keep their doors and windows shut. Young children, the elderly and those with chronic breathing problems are especially at risk. Smog can reduce lung function and aggravate health problems such as asthma and emphysema. Exposure to smog may also lead to eye, nose and throat irritation. Another side effect is a reduced resistance to colds and lung infections.

The winds are expected to change by Monday night and blow the smoke north, away from the Montreal and Ottawa region. “The smoke, the smog, over the St. Lawrence region should be ending very soon,” Public Security Minister of Quebec, David Pelletier said on Monday morning.

Quebec Forest Fires: Smog Alerts Issued