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As the first hot, dry weekend of the year approaches, La Broquerie Fire Department is issuing a fire ban.
JC Normandeau, chief of the department, says its a level three ban starting May 2 at 8 a.m., in conjunction with provincial fire and travel restrictions.
"No fires of any sort whatsoever," Normandeau explains. "No burn barrels, no fire pits. We just want to be very proactive with the warm weather coming on the weekend."
He says the abundance of grass and fields in the area are vulnerable to bigger fires, which can be problematic.
"It's unpredictable—especially when you live in the deeper rural areas where some of the developments out there (have) a lot of tall grass around... so fires can rush through at a higher rate of speed. Then, there's very little that you can do and the next thing you know, you've got one or two homes on fire," the fire chief says.
"When we start losing homes and stuff, it's not a nice sight to see, and I'm sure nobody wants to lose there home," he adds.
"We're not doing this to punish people. We're just doing this to prevent loss of life and properties."
As per the RM of La Broquerie's Fire Bylaw, Normandeau says those caught having a fire while the ban is in effect will face a $500 fine for first offences, $1000 for a second offence, $1500 for a third, and $2500 for subsequent offences.
He says the restrictions will be reassessed on Monday with adjustments made accordingly.