Quebec is on high alert for forest fires this week as the province endures a period of hot and dry conditions. An atmospheric trough stationed in the Maritime provinces, which blocked moisture from reaching Quebec. The lack of moisture for the vegetation and abnormally dry soil has increased the danger of forest fires. In addition, ample sun and southerly warmth has recorded temperatures 5°C to 15°C above normal across the province to start June. …Temperatures soared into the 30s with Montreal airport recording 31.4°C on June 4. On Tuesday, Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU) said there is a maximum risk of forest fires nearly everywhere in the province. Vigilance will be needed in the coming days. People have been reminded to be careful of how cigarette butts are discarded, as well as proper incineration of waste, which could easily start fires.