2023 Quebec Fires
An unprecedented wave of wildfires hit the province of Quebec in early June. A storm line generated multiple lightning strikes, which ignited over a hundred wildfires across the province in the wake of the warm and dry weather of the past few days.
Seriously impacted areas include Cote-Nord, Nord-du-Quebec, Abitibi-Temiscamingue, Laurentides, Lanaudiere, Mauricie, and Saguenay–Lac-St-Jean, with most fires being in Abitibi-Temiscamingue, Cote-Nord, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, and Nord-du-Quebec.
The Red Cross is providing local authorities and First Nation communities with massive shipments of relief supplies (cots, bedding, hygiene kits, etc.) and sending Red Cross volunteers and staff in targeted areas.
If you received an advance warning, evacuated, or need additional information, please refer to impacted municipalities and communities' websites and social media channels.
A status report about wildfires can also be found on the Governement of Quebec website.
Important Notice: Only one registration per household is sufficient. There is no need to re-register with the Red Cross if you or someone living under the same roof has already done so over the phone or online.
FRAUD ALERT: Unfortunately, there are some people who may try to take advantage of those impacted by a disaster through fraudulent tactics. The Canadian Red Cross will never ask for your banking information, social insurance number or credit card number in order to receive financial assistance. The Canadian Red Cross communicates only via email, phone, or in-person and would never send a link through a text message regarding your registration. The Red Cross encourages people to stay informed from credible sources, such as the Government of Canada’s website for fraud prevention tips. If you suspect you have been a victim of fraudulent activity, please contact your local police authority.
Protect yourself from fraud (antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca).
Home Inventory Checklist: a document to keep a list of your home inventory which is helpful both for insurance and other assistance programs. In the case of an insurance claim, an insurance provider would use a similar form to assess the cost to repair or replace lost or damaged items.
Substantial Repair and Reconstruction Contract Checklist: Hiring a contractor for damage or rebuild? Use this checklist with tips as a guide when reviewing the contract prior to signing with a contractor.
Learn more about Coping with Crisis, including ways that you can take care of yourself and your loved ones during an emergency. If you are concerned for the immediate safety or yourself or someone else, call a local crisis support line or 911 right away.
Additional resources are listed below and specialized services can also be found here.
Info-Santé 8-1-1 enables you to talk with a health professional at any time for advice or information in the event of a non-urgent health problem. At Info-Social 8-1-1, you can speak with a psychosocial worker. Simply dial 8-1-1.
Canadian Mental Health Association: For links to support and resources in your area.
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310
Association québécoise de prévention du suicide: 1-866-277-3553 (French only)
Kids Help Phone - 24-hour bilingual and anonymous phone counselling, online counselling and referral service for children and youth.
Bell Let's Talk - List of organizations with helpful resources.
Seriously impacted areas include Cote-Nord, Nord-du-Quebec, Abitibi-Temiscamingue, Laurentides, Lanaudiere, Mauricie, and Saguenay–Lac-St-Jean, with most fires being in Abitibi-Temiscamingue, Cote-Nord, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, and Nord-du-Quebec.
The Red Cross is providing local authorities and First Nation communities with massive shipments of relief supplies (cots, bedding, hygiene kits, etc.) and sending Red Cross volunteers and staff in targeted areas.
If you received an advance warning, evacuated, or need additional information, please refer to impacted municipalities and communities' websites and social media channels.
A status report about wildfires can also be found on the Governement of Quebec website.
Registering with the Canadian Red Cross
People affected by an evacuation order due to the forest fires in Quebec are asked to register by calling 1-800-863-6582 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST, seven days a week.
Registration helps to ensure that those affected can be reached wherever they are and receive information about the services and assistance that the Canadian Red Cross could offer them during this difficult time.
To register, you will need to answer general questions about yourself and other members of your household (name, date of birth, email address and residence address).Important Notice: Only one registration per household is sufficient. There is no need to re-register with the Red Cross if you or someone living under the same roof has already done so over the phone or online.
FRAUD ALERT: Unfortunately, there are some people who may try to take advantage of those impacted by a disaster through fraudulent tactics. The Canadian Red Cross will never ask for your banking information, social insurance number or credit card number in order to receive financial assistance. The Canadian Red Cross communicates only via email, phone, or in-person and would never send a link through a text message regarding your registration. The Red Cross encourages people to stay informed from credible sources, such as the Government of Canada’s website for fraud prevention tips. If you suspect you have been a victim of fraudulent activity, please contact your local police authority.
Protect yourself from fraud (antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca).
After wildfires
Review the step-by-step Canadian Red Cross Guide to Wildfire Recovery for information on what to do when you return home after wildfires.Home Inventory Checklist: a document to keep a list of your home inventory which is helpful both for insurance and other assistance programs. In the case of an insurance claim, an insurance provider would use a similar form to assess the cost to repair or replace lost or damaged items.
Substantial Repair and Reconstruction Contract Checklist: Hiring a contractor for damage or rebuild? Use this checklist with tips as a guide when reviewing the contract prior to signing with a contractor.
Wellbeing and Coping with Crisis
Following an emergency or disaster, a person may experience a range of thoughts, feelings and behaviours that can be intense, confusing, and frightening. These experiences trigger responses that can include physical, emotional, and behavioural reactions. There are many resources to help you, your family, and your community.Learn more about Coping with Crisis, including ways that you can take care of yourself and your loved ones during an emergency. If you are concerned for the immediate safety or yourself or someone else, call a local crisis support line or 911 right away.
Additional resources are listed below and specialized services can also be found here.
Info-Santé 8-1-1 enables you to talk with a health professional at any time for advice or information in the event of a non-urgent health problem. At Info-Social 8-1-1, you can speak with a psychosocial worker. Simply dial 8-1-1.
Canadian Mental Health Association: For links to support and resources in your area.
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310
Association québécoise de prévention du suicide: 1-866-277-3553 (French only)
Kids Help Phone - 24-hour bilingual and anonymous phone counselling, online counselling and referral service for children and youth.
Bell Let's Talk - List of organizations with helpful resources.