Event CategoryDisaster
Event GroupNatural
Event SubgroupMeteorological - Hydrological
Event TypeWildfire
PlaceNemiscau region, near James Bay QC
Event Start DateJuly 2, 2002
Event End DateJuly 2, 2002
CommentsNemiscau region, near James Bay QC, July 2, 2002. Of 50 forest fires burning in Quebec around this time, the Nemiscau fire was the most noticeable. The fire travelled within 800 metres of the native village of Nemaska. A total of 630 Chisasibi and Nemiscau-region residents were evacuated. The fire was ignited by intense thunder and lightning storms and destroyed over 600 km2 of forest. Consequently, 6000 Quebec forestry workers were laid-off. Hydro-Quebec disconnected its service to 500 000 people given the proximity of the fire to a major power line. Smoke could be seen in most of Quebec, parts of Ontario, and the northeastern United States.
Fatalities0
Injured / Infected0
Evacuated628
Estimated Total Cost$0
Federal DFAA PaymentsUnknown
Provincial DFAA PaymentsUnknown
Provincial Department PaymentsUnknown
Municipal CostsUnknown
OGD CostsUnknown
Insurance PaymentsUnknown
NGO PaymentsUnknown
Utility - People Affected0
Magnitude0.0