Trembling aspen are breaking bud, their soft spring green contrasting with the brown and brittle prairie fields and ditches of southwest Manitoba. While farmers feel the need to tidy up and get rid of crop residue and rejuvenate slough areas, everyone is becoming aware of the danger that fire presents.
On Friday, May 7, a passerby reported a fire west and south of Virden. Wallace District Fire Department Chief Brad Yochim said, “It turned out to be a control burn in the RM of Pipestone…”
There was no burn ban there at that time, however, as of 1:00 p.m. Monday, May 10 the RM of Pipestone has issued a notice of a fire ban.
NO AGRICULTURAL BURNING PERMITTED.
The burning ban took effect immediately under the authority of By-law 2019/04. Violation of this burning ban may result in a minimum $500 fine plus all costs of the fire department.
Fires contained to a fire pit are permitted but must be attended at all times. Please exercise caution!
