Please Take the time to find out what RM’s may or may not have lifted their burn bans. NOTE: Back Country Travel Restrictions are still in place at this time.
Thank you
Sandhogs Exec.
With this much needed rain, local municipalities are now in discussions about whether to lift their fire ban.
As of this morning, the RMs of Hanover, Ste. Anne, Ritchot as well as the Village of St. Pierre, have all completely lifted their fire bans.
Meanwhile, the RM of La Broquerie is permitting fires in enclosed pits but only at night between the hours of 6pm and 6am.
The RM of Stuartburn still has a burn ban in place however, a decision has been made to allow small recreational fires in enclosed pits.
RM of Tache has reduced its level three ban to level two which permits residents to have fires in enclosed pits but stresses that open fires are still prohibited.
The Town of Ste. Anne did not have a burn ban in place.
The Rural Municipality of Reynolds says recreational fires in approved pits are permitted between the hours of 8pm and 8am.
The RM of Piney notes a complete burn ban remains in effect. The municipality says they would need a considerable amount of rain before feeling comfortable lifting the ban but adds they will reassess early next week .
The RM of De Salaberry has announced it’s fire ban will remain in place for May long weekend.
Hanover Fire Chief Paul Wiebe says the rain has come as a huge relief because the risk was so high.
“Well, it is one of the most extreme fire bans we’ve put in when we banned the backyard fire pits, which is something we haven’t done for quite a long time but the conditions were extreme so it was warranted. We are just very happy to be able to lift it at this time.”
Wiebe notes three people in Hanover were charged with violating the fire ban in recent weeks, but overall he adds residents were very cooperative.
Other Municipalities are assessing their options and we will keep you up to date. If you have any questions, contact your local municipal office.