As of May 15 we have answered 14 emergency calls; nine of those calls have been outdoor fires which includes grass and field fires.
Any fire at this time is considered extremely dangerous due to the dry conditions. There is currently a burn ban in the RM of Wallace-Woodworth which prohibits any fires except approved fire pits burning seasoned fire wood.
I have attended to two incidents within the Town of Virden limits of people burning grass or leaves. Burning is banned within town limits year-round except for approved fire pits.
Fines are possible for anybody burning illegally at this time. Fines may also include the cost of firefighting efforts if WDFD is required to extinguish a fire during a burn ban. This could add up to several thousand dollars.
The fire on Monday was a farmer ignoring the burn ban and burning off a couple of sloughs. The fire was contained by a fire guard but it was extinguished anyway due to the ban. This fire was in the RM of Pipestone, which also has a burn ban in place.
Fire pits
If the dry conditions continue the Town and RM may ban fire pits. It is important for residents to use them responsibly as outlined in the by-law.
That means: Burning of leaves or grass is not allowed. Smoke from the fire pit cannot be a nuisance to neighbours. The fire pit must have a screen cover to reduce sparks from escaping the pit. Maintain a minimum distance of three meters from anything combustible like trees, fences, buildings etc.
Submitted by WDFD Chief Brad Yochim
