Comments | Nemiscau 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. |