Port-Cartier, Que. officials say forest fire situation unchanged after evacuations [Video]

Forest fires that prompted a partial evacuation of the north shore city of Port Cartier, Que., are holding steady, officials said Saturday as they extended a local state of emergency put in place when some residents were asked to leave.

Roughly 1,000 residents from three specific regions were forced to flee their homes on Friday when a fire began approaching local infrastructure, Mayor Alain Thibault explained at a Saturday news conference.

The growing blaze made it necessary for him to order the evacuation of residents from the Parc Brunel and Parc Dominique areas, as well as those living north of Route 138.

“It might have appeared quick, but it was efficient,” he said. “We are sorry if you felt rushed, but you will understand there were all of things to get put into place.” 

Port Cartier general manager Nicolas Mayrand said “the situation had not changed much as of Saturday.

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