A burn ban is now in effect in the Rural Municipality of Piney.

Chief Administrative Officer Martin Van Osch says his Council made the decision just last night after reflecting on a few close calls over the weekend.

He notes a few property owners had chosen to burn debris in their yards late last week and the smoldering embers flared up during Saturday’s strong winds.

“There were flames and sparks coming out of those piles and the concern was that it was going to ignite the dry grass that was surrounding the piles and then spread into the forested area and then jeopardize people's properties,” details Van Osch who says Piney firefighters extinguished multiple unattended brush fires during that time.

Notified of these instances, Council chose to put a burn ban in place for all open fires. Van Osch adds, for the time being, bonfires are still being allowed.

“COVID and winter have caused us to want to get outside and enjoy the beautiful early spring, and Council at this time does not want to limit those recreational activities but, for the large scale burning, they felt for public safety it was important to implement this burn ban.”

As of Wednesday, all open brush, grass, field, and garbage fires are prohibited in Piney until further notice.