The RM of Hanover is joining many other municipalities in the southeast in implementing a fire ban.

Hanover Fire Chief Paul Wiebe announced Thursday morning that the ban will take effect on Thursday at noon. The ban is for the entire municipality and targets the intentional setting of fires in grass and brush.

Wiebe says fires in enclosed backyard fire pits are permitted and must be supervised at all times, however, ratepayers are reminded to use caution and should not start a backyard fire in the approved pits if wind velocity is in excess of 32 kilometres per hour.

He notes burning in backyard fire pits must be done with clean wood and not leaves, branches or other material that extends beyond the limit of the pit. And, the pit must be at least 10 feet away from any building or structure.

The ban will run through until conditions improve. Anyone in non-compliance who is found guilty of starting an unpermitted fire may be subject to fines and penalties as per the Fire Prevention and Emergency Services Bylaw.

"Conditions have been extremely dry, so that's been the reason for implementing this," explains Wiebe. "Our crews have attended numerous calls over the last two weeks. All of them have been manageable, however, conditions are not getting any better."

Wiebe says agricultural burning permits may be issued upon application and review. To apply for a permit, call or text 204-346-2384 for more information.

Meanwhile, Wiebe says it is not unusual for Hanover to be one of the last municipalities to implement a fire ban. He notes that is because Hanover has a good bylaw in place which restricts fires in urban centres and on rural residential properties.

"We like to give our rural property owners and our farmers a chance to do any necessary burning, so we usually don't jump on it right away," notes Wiebe. "But at some point when conditions require, we do put the fire ban in place eventually."

Current list of municipalities with fire bans:

  • RM of Hanover
  • RM of Ritchot
  • RM of Piney
  • RM of Stuartburn
  • RM of Ste. Anne
  • RM of Emerson-Franklin
  • RM of De Salaberry
  • RM of La Broquerie