The RM of St. Laurent has lifted its burn ban as of June 16, following rainfall in the area and improvements to the provincial wildfire situation.
Fire Chief Chad Malfait says the region didn’t see a major downpour, but every bit helped.
“Last week, the RM received anywhere from half an inch to an inch of rain, we needed it drastically,” he notes.
Malfait says the combination of local and northern rain made the difference, allowing the municipality to safely lift the restriction.
Dealing with fires earlier in the season
The area saw a couple of large fires back in May, including one that threatened structures right in the town.
“We were able to save everything,” adds Malfait. “There was a large one that actually started in the RM of Portage la Prairie and a joint effort between the Portage la Prairie Fire Department, the Woodlands Fire Department and ourselves, we were able to get that one under control.”
Not enough trucks to help up north
Malfait mentions that while other crews were called to support efforts in northern Manitoba, St. Laurent wasn’t in a position to go.
“We were already short because we didn’t have a truck,” he says. “If we sent another truck, we were really going to leave ourselves at risk here.”
He continues, “Now we probably could if they needed us somewhere.”
Message to residents: only approved fire pits
As for residents, Malfait says most were respectful of the ban, but confusion did come up now and then.
“There’s always some people that don’t realize the ban is on,” remarks Malfait. “There’s multiple sources of information and if they don’t all send the same message, then it leads to confusion.”
The St. Laurent Fire Department says although the ban is lifted, only fires in approved fire pits are allowed, and no burn permits will be issued at this time.
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