Maximum-security prison in Quebec evacuated due to forest fires

More than 200 inmates were relocated after a maximum-security prison on Quebec's north shore was evacuated due to the threat of raging forest fires in the region.

More than 200 inmates were relocated after a maximum-security prison on Quebec's north shore was evacuated due to the threat of raging forest fires in the region.

On Friday, the mayor of Port-Cartier, Que., Alain Thibault, declared a state of emergency for five days since the wildfire situation was "out of control and quite close to the city's infrastructure."

Parts of the city, roughly 500 kilometres northeast of Quebec City, were ordered to evacuate, forcing approximately 1,000 residents to leave their homes.

Correctional Service Canada confirmed on Sunday that the evacuation order affected the Port-Cartier Institution and that all 225 inmates were transferred "to other secure federal correctional facilities."

The facility has housed some of the country's most dangerous criminals, including murderers Paul Bernardo and Luka Magnotta.

The prison made headlines in May after serial killer Robert Pickton was attacked by a fellow inmate and died of his injuries 10 days later.

CSC said it has taken steps to secure the transfer of the inmates during this weekend's evacuation.