The Rural Municipalities of Tache, Ritchot, Ste. Anne and Stuartburn currently have burn bans in place, and with the forecast calling for sunshine and double digits for the next several days, those bans won't be lifted anytime soon. 

Richer Fire Chief Paul Saindon says, they do have a fire ban in effect for the municipality, but they are making exceptions on a case by case basis.

Saindon says most farmers are checking in with the municipality before burning their fields, and that is being encouraged. “Right now some fields are being allowed because they do a perimeter plowing and they are in the middle of a section that has already been plowed black. There was some corn stubble out there and winter wheat that couldn't be picked up last fall, and we know farmers are out there getting ready for seeding and we understand that.”

Saindon notes those farmers have been told that if the fire gets out of hand and the fire department is called, they will be handing out a fine of $1,000. However, he adds those farmers are not the ones that cause concern. He says people that are out there burning their swamp, wild grass or brush is what they are trying to discourage.

Saindon strongly suggests that everyone watch weather conditions before deciding to burn anything. If it's windy, he says you probably shouldn't burn anything even if it's in a fire pit or barrel.

On Sunday, Saindon says they were called to a small grass fire on the #1 Highway near richer. “We were called early and got the fire out quickly. When a fire starts on a shoulder, it could have been a cigarette tossed out a car window or a quad going by.”

According to Saindon, the fire department hasn't been called to too many unnecessary fires, but adds, the fire ban will remain in effect until things turn green, leaves are showing up on trees, and grass needs mowing.

Saindon says the municipality's website would be the best place to find out when a burn ban has been lifted.