A spill of fire retardant occurred on the northbound lanes of Route 11 between Jacquet River and Charlo, as confirmed by the provincial government. The incident, involving 50 to 100 liters of fire retardant spread over several kilometers, has since dried according to an official update posted on Facebook at noon on Thursday. Authorities have assured the public that the spill poses no danger to people or the surrounding environment.

The spill, discovered by the province around 8 p.m. on Wednesday, is attributed to a contractor working for the Department of Natural Resources. Fire retardant, containing ammonium polyphosphate as its primary component, is commonly used to impede the progression of fires and shares similarities with fertilizer in its composition.

Residents are advised to be cautious of workers present at the spill site as efforts are made to manage the incident. The spill has resulted in a noticeable “brightly colored solution,” as described by provincial officials.