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Heat from forest fires trigger power blackouts in Quebec

July 4, 2013, Montreal – The intense heat caused by forest fires in northern Quebec has resulted in some of Hydro-Quebec's large industrial customers losing power.

The utility says power was cut when the heat triggered protective mechanisms on some of its transmission lines.

Spokesman Patrice Lavoie says about 2,000 customers were affected, including the Montreal transit system and the city's Stock Exchange Tower.

Power as cut to several subway stations just after 4:30 p.m. for about a half-hour and the La Ronde amusement park went dark at about the same time.

La Ronde spokeswoman Catherine Tremblay says the facilities were evacuated safely and the park will stay closed until Thursday morning.

Hydro-Quebec says the customers affected include just over 1,000 in northern Quebec and 547 in the Montreal and Laval areas.