Raising forest fire awareness
Sépaq's mission is to actively contribute to fire prevention, an essential element in protecting our environment, our communities, and our natural resources.
Current restrictionsAdapting to an unavoidable reality
Forest fires are a reality to which our large territories are exposed every summer. They remain fragile when exposed to arid weather combined with human activities in the forest. Dry, windy weather conditions considerably increase the risk of fire. Sépaq has therefore chosen to embrace the important role it can play in reducing the risk of fire and preserving our territories, which is central to its mission.
New regulations in force
New regulations is applied to reduce fire risks and ensure everyone's safety. Sépaq applies the following preventive measures:
National parks and tourist establishments
Outdoor fires are prohibited in territories where the fire danger is at the extreme level according to SOPFEU.
Wildlife reserves
Outdoor fires should be avoided in territories where the fire danger is at the extreme level, according to SOPFEU.
When the fire danger is at the very high level, we encourage you to be particularly vigilant, and awareness campaigns will be carried out in the territories to this effect.
How do I know if outdoor fires are allowed during my stay?
Sépaq's new regulations may affect the authorization of outdoor fires during your stay.
Steps to take to check the regulations in force in the territory you’re visiting
Please note that SOPFEU updates the fire danger zones every day at 9:16 am. Sépaq uses only same-day information, not forecasts for the days ahead, to determine which fire bans are in effect. Please ensure that you check the fire danger level on the day of your arrival.
1. Validate the alert level set by SOPFEU for the territory
- Use the SOPFEU map.
- Look for the name of the establishment you'll be visiting.
- Note the fire danger level identified by SOPFEU for this territory (levels range from low to extreme).
2. Consult Sépaq's regulations associated with the territory's fire danger level
If your territory is in a fire danger zone:
- Low (blue): no restrictions, just follow the usual good practices (in French only).
- Moderate (green): no restrictions, follow the usual good practices (in French only).
- High (yellow): no restrictions, follow the usual good practices (in French only).
- Very High (orange): increased vigilance, awareness campaigns will be carried out in the territories
- Extreme (red)
i. In national parks and tourist establishments: outdoor fires are prohibited. See details of the ban
ii. In wildlife reserves: avoid outdoor fires.
Please note that in exceptional circumstances, the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts may issue a fire ban for a targeted territory. In such a case, the ban applies to all Sépaq territories in the targeted zone.
Good to know
- When a territory is in an Extreme danger zone, or during a complete fire ban decreed by the Ministry, the sale of wood is suspended in targeted establishments as soon as the ban is in place, i.e. at 9:20 a.m. for the current day.
- In a cabin, yurt, or rustic shelter where wood is provided, the ban only applies to outdoor fires. You can still use wood in your wood stove or indoor fireplace.
- For organized canoe-camping and hiking-camping activities where wood is provided, Sépaq invites you to inquire before your departure about the bans in effect and to be prepared accordingly (e.g. bring a propane burner to prepare food).
Once you've arrived
Starting at 9:20 in the morning, Sépaq rolls out the following communications strategy in territories affected by a fire ban for the day:
- Posting the ban at the following locations (may vary depending on the establishment visited): Registration centre, discovery and visitors centre, washrooms, campground and beach entrances
- Awareness-raising by a patrol officer when visiting campgrounds (not systematic)
Sépaq is counting on the usual cooperation of outdoor enthusiasts to comply with these new regulations.
What’s allowed…and what’s not?
What’s not allowed when a ban is in force in national parks and tourist establishments:
- Campfires in outdoor installations, with or without spark arrestors
- Charcoal, wood, or briquette BBQs
- Lanterns and flashlights
- Fireworks
- Flame-producing devices
What's allowed at any time:
- Campfires in an outdoor installation fueled solely by propane, butane, or natural gas