Evacuation orders were being lifted on Friday for Quebec residents directly affected by wildfires, but the blazes were still causing poor air quality across much of the province.
Quebec’s Public Security Department said that almost all of the 2,300 people evacuated from their homes would be able to return no later than Saturday because rainfall during the past week has decreased the forest fire threat.
In the northern town of Lebel-sur-Quévillon, home to more than 2,000 people, essential workers began returning on Thursday, with a full return scheduled for Saturday.
“We’re looking forward to seeing you tomorrow,” Mayor Guy Lafrenière said in a video message on Friday….