A property owner in the Rural Municipality of Hanover has been fined for leaving a fire unattended Thursday afternoon.

The Steinbach Fire Department was called to 106 Sander's Lane south of Mitchell shortly before 3 pm. It was a grass fire near a home under construction, though the property owner was nowhere to be found.

Today, the property owner was charged under Hanover's Fire Prevention By-Law No. 2391-16 under Section 29(a) "No person shall; light a fire, bonfire, roast or in a barbeque, fire-place or indoors without having a suitable container or enclosed fire pit, as defined in Part 1 of this By-Law and supervised at all time."

The pre-set fine for the offence is $500 or there is an early payment option of $250.

Bylaw Enforcement Officer Brian Brunelle says the property owner was spoken to and educated regarding the proper protocols and requirements for having fires in the RM of Hanover. The property owner was very apologetic and extremely happy that the fire was called in by neighbours and the quick response by the Fire Department.

Brunelle reminds ratepayers that for individuals who choose to not pay fines, the municipal ByLaw Enforcement Officer can proceed with an information for prosecution through the Courts to seek the fine amount and all firefighting costs as well. He says before lighting a fire check what your municipal By-Laws say or contact the appropriate authorities.

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