The Rural Municipality of Hanover has implemented a fire ban.
The move was announced Thursday afternoon and is effective immediately.
Hanover was the only municipality in southeastern Manitoba that did not have a fire ban. Earlier in the day, Premier Wab Kinew urged all Manitobans to refrain from starting fires, even though there was not a province-wide ban.
Under Hanover's fire prevention bylaw, fires were already prohibited in urban communities and on rural residential properties. The fire ban extends to the entire municipality and prohibits all fires including bonfires.
The municipality says enclosed backyard fire pits and barbeques will still be allowed. Small backyard fires must be in approved fire pits only and must be attended, and fully extinguished before leaving.
This fire ban will remain in effect until conditions and risk from fire improves.