Hanover’s Fire Chief says they were quite busy last weekend and they don’t want a repeat again this weekend.

"We’re doing a total fire ban as of Friday noon that includes even your fire pits, no fires none what so ever," says Hanover Reeve Stan Toews. 

Paul Wiebe notes they are taking some additional steps to ensure things don’t get out of hand in these dry conditions. 

"We know that there are some fire pits that would be safe but there’s a very large number of people living in the bush on small rural residential lots. The backyards fire pits are a concern so we’re following what many of our neighbouring municipalities have done and doing a total ban on these fire pits as well."

Wiebe notes they are not, however limiting the use of barbecues of any kind but he asks that people who plan on using a charcoal barbecue to be extremely cautious. He says anyone who violates this burn ban will be penalized under Hanover’s by-law. By-law enforcement Officer Brian Brunelle says the fine for illegally starting a fire during a burn ban is $1,000.

Meanwhile in the RM of Emerson Franklin, Reeve Greg Janzen they’ve also put a complete burn ban in place.

"So we’ve put a total fire ban on in our municipality and that’s including fire pits, burn barrels, any burning what so ever just because it is so dry out there and no rain in the forecast it’s extremely dry. We’re actually hoping that people will tell their friends, neighbours, cottagers and we’re just hoping that no one is going to start a fire."

On Thursday a grass fire was started in Hanover by a spark from a brush mower. Wiebe says all it takes in these dry conditions is one little spark and fire ignites.

The RM of Ste. Anne has also issued a complete burn ban which takes effect immediately.

Council made the decision that absolutely no fires are permitted including fire pits, burn barrels and crop residue burning.

CAO Jenifer Blatz says no exceptions will be made and fines will be issued to those in contravention of the ban. She adds anyone in contravention may also be required to reimburse the actual costs of services rendered by the municipality, or any fire department acting on its behalf, as a result of prohibited burning activities. The burn ban is in effect until further notice.