The Steinbach Fire Department has issued a reminder that it is illegal to burn garbage or other debris within city limits. Assistant Deputy Chief Mike Penner says this follows a call at 2:00 Thursday morning to a home along Mckenzie Avenue between the water tower and Harmony Lane.

"We were called from a neighbour about smoke in the neighbourhood, not knowing where it was coming from. Under investigation, we found a burn barrel in the backyard of a residence, which is not allowed in the City of Steinbach. There were grass clippings but also some burning of household materials, which is not allowed at all in the city. The only thing that's allowed in the City of Steinbach is fire pits for enjoyment or cooking on in a controlled environment."

Penner says a female resident of the residence was extinguishing the fire with a garden hose when they arrived.

Meanwhile, Penner says the fire department was called to a home on Friesen Avenue near Highway #12 around 8:00 Wednesday night. It turns out an element on the stove had been turned on by accident which then melted the bottom of an electric kettle that was sitting on it. Penner says there was a fair bit of smoke but no other damage.