Forest fires force thousands out of their homes in Quebec's North Shore

With the number of out-of-control forest fires across Quebec having quickly multiplied, the city of Sept-Îles on the province's North Shore has declared a local state of emergency and has put in place a mandatory evacuation order for several neighbourhoods.

With the number of out-of-control forest fires across Quebec having quickly multiplied, the city of Sept-Îles on the province's North Shore has declared a local state of emergency and has put in place a mandatory evacuation order for several neighbourhoods.

The evacuation order affects about 5,000 residents in the region. The order is in effect for the Lac Daigle and Maliotenam sections as well as areas east of downtown including Les Plages and Moisie. Residents must leave their homes by 4 p.m.

All non-urgent activities have been suspended at Sept-Îles hospital, the regional health centre that also serves the Minganie and the Lower North Shore.