The RM of Cartier has issued a level yellow burn ban, temporarily prohibiting open air burning and the use of fireworks throughout the municipality.
The restriction, which remains in place until meaningful rainfall is received, comes as the region faces persistent dry conditions and high winds.
What level yellow means
Fire Chief Dan Bouchard says the current fire risk level means only certain types of burning are allowed.
“Level yellow means that flares are only allowed in approved receptacles, so being approved, fire pits and stuff like that. There's no other outdoor fires permitted, no open fires, and no fireworks right now.”
Bouchard adds that even enclosed fire pits must be used responsibly and with caution.
Reason for the ban
Bouchard continues by explaining that the decision is a proactive one, rooted in the season's unusual weather.
“It's strictly precautionary," he says. "People have been very good about it this year, but it's just the extra dry conditions. We remind everybody that it's never appropriate to burn when winds are above 25 kilometers an hour."
Fire activity so far
While fire risk is high, the municipality has managed to avoid frequent incidents locally.
“We had one major incident about two weeks ago and then we've actually been helping out St. Francis Xavier," adds Bouchard. "Our local residents in our area here have been actually very good this year. So we're quite happy about that."
When it might end
The fire ban remains in effect until conditions improve.
“That's until we get some meaningful precipitation,” mentions Bouchard.
Residents are encouraged to follow the restrictions and keep safety top of mind while the ban is in place.
Click here for a full list of burn bans in Manitoba.