As of May 6, the RM of Ritchot has initiated a level two fire restriction. Due to dry spring conditions, open fires are currently not permitted. Fires are allowed in approved receptacles only. 

Additionally, a level two restriction bans the use of off-road vehicles in order to reduce the risk of grass fires.

“Residents are also reminded to use caution with lawnmowers, trailers, chains, and other equipment that may create sparks or ignite dry grass,” the RM says.

For Niverville, the risk is not as high and the community remains at a fire restriction level one.

“Some municipalities will go to a level two restriction to ensure that their fire departments don’t receive a large number of grass fire calls,” says Cyrus Reimer, Niverville’s communications director. “Niverville, thankfully, is in a situation where we don’t have to worry about grass fires to the same extent. However, it is still very dry, and we encourage all residents to be smart about burning.”

Even so, permits are required for any fires that will not be contained in an approved fire receptacle.