SOPFEU’s mission is to ensure forests are protected against fire in a cost-effective manner so that forest-related resources can be sustained and continue to benefit all communities.

All fires are promptly and forcefully attacked in the intensive protection zone. Located south of the 52nd parallel, this zone covers 520,000 km² of commercial forest.

SOPFEU takes the necessary means to fulfil its mandates while taking into account the expectations of its corporate members.

Expectations To constantly lower the 10 year average of forest fires caused by humans Discover fires before they reach 0.5 hectare Attack within the hour following its discovery Control the fire along its entire perimeter before 10 am Extinguish the fire before it burns a maximum of 3 hectares Provide quality services while exercising rigorous cost control Foster a healthy and safe working environment Encourage respect for the environment when carrying out operations

Operations Bases

Four main bases, located in Baie-Comeau, Roberval, Maniwaki and Val-d'Or, are where most of the human and material resources are found. Additional assistance is provided by other operations bases. The head office in Québec City houses the Provincial Fire Centre.

See land base map

Fighting forest fires requires the participation of several interested parties. A specific command structure is followed during fire suppression activities.

Provincial Fire Centre (PFC)

• Anticipates critical situations
• Decides how to strategically deploy initial attack resources
• Coordinates aerial detection
• Assigns the responsibility for attacking each fire to a main base
• Establishes priorities
• Coordinates backup for deployed resources
  

Regional Fire Centre (RFC) attached to a main base

• Decides how the fire will be fought and the strike force required
• Mobilizes water bombers
• Assigns firefighting to one of its operations bases
• Coordinates air attacks
  

Operations Base

• Activates heli-lifted or land response
• Coordinates and supervises attack operations
• Organizes backup for the attack
  

Fire Boss

Plans, organizes, directs and supervises activities to quickly control the fire and extinguish it before it reaches 3 hectares.

The response command structure is adjusted according to fire intensity and size. Should a fire have major social and economic repercussions, a major fire management team then assumes responsibility for operations.