Canada: Emergency crews working to contain wildfires near Port Cartier, Quebec Province, as of late June 23

Emergency crews are working to contain wildfires near Port Cartier, Quebec Province, as of late June 23. Authorities declared a state of emergency through at least June 26.

Evacuation orders remain in place for around 1,000 Port Cartier residents in the Parc Brunel and Parc Dominique Park areas and those living north of Route 138. The Port-Cartier Institution, a maximum-security prison, was also evacuated. A temporary shelter is located in Baie-Comeau.

Depending on the progression of the wildfires, the status of nearby roads could change over the coming hours and days. Authorities will likely close additional routes within the wildfire complexes and evacuate more communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operators. The return of residents could disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region. Wildfires may damage power lines and other electricity infrastructure; intermittent power outages are possible in affected areas until restoration work is complete.