You Can Now Get A Major Fine For Having Open-Air Fires In These Quebec Regions

For all the people who were looking forward to having campfires this summer, the news you're about to read may crush you. The Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU)'s list of Quebec regions where it's forbidden to have open-air fires just got longer. If you're reading this and you're from Montreal, Montérégie, or Laval, know that where you live is now a no-go zone for having fires.

These new additions were put in place as of Wednesday, May 13 at 8 a.m, which the news release says is due to the change in weather and the melting of the snow.

While having a fire in the open air can very well seem innocent in theory, in practice such can lead to a much larger fire, which then involves the need for firefighters.

And right now, more than ever, firefighters need to be kept as safe as possible.

If caught breaking this rule, individuals can receive a fine of anywhere from $500 to $50,000.

The amount that fines can go up to shows just how important this matter is being taken.

We've included the full list of Quebec regions that have a ban on open-air fires below.

The Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU) shared this news on Twitter as well.

With the potential for getting a fine up to $50,000 for having a little campfire, I think it's safe to say most people won't be testing the rules right now.

Here's the full list places in Quebec where open-air fires are forbidden:

• Abitibi-Témiscamingue

• Mauricie

• Capitale-Nationale

• Outaouais

• Laurentides

• Lanaudière

• Chaudière-Appalaches

• Centre-du-Québec

• Montérégie

• Estrie

• Laval

• Montréal

So, if you live in any of these regions and we're thinking of going to have a little fire in the forest near your home sometime soon, you may want to reconsider.

For now, the province's capital, Quebec City, has not been added to the list.

If you're wondering what the "big deal" is about having your own small fire in one of the places listed, the SOPFEU explains that such fires can end up leading to forest fires.

Remember: the fine could cost you what more than some people make in a year.

Let that one sink in.