Open fires banned in Winnipeg, across province due to high winds

The city has banned open fires in Winnipeg because of the gusty winds.

• Dangerous 90 km/h winds blow into southern Manitoba

That means you can't light your fire pit, outdoor fireplace, outdoor warming receptacle or your barbecue.

Under city bylaws, open fires are not to be set when wind exceeds 25 kilometres per hour.

Fire officials also warn people to be aware of flying debris from buildings.

Environment Canada has lifted a wind warning for Winnipeg but winds gusting up to 70 k/hr are expected until evening, when they will die down.

RMs toughen up provincial ban on burning

At the same time, at least 16 rural municipalities have banned all burning, including in some cases burning anything even in fire pits and barrels.

• Province puts partial ban on ATVs, quads in backcountry travel due to dry conditions
• Fire tears through Manitoba farm, claims man's life

The dry weather and gusty wind led the province to cancel all burning permits in southern Manitoba yesterday, but the rural municipalities' bans are tougher.

The provincial ban prevents burning on crown land, while the municipal ban prevents people from burning even on their own property.

With wind like today it doesn't take much for an ember to turn into a flame.- Steinbach Fire Chief Kelvin Toews

Grass fire near Steinbach under investigation

Firefighters from Steinbach battled flames whipped up by winds at a grass fire just west of the city.

Chief Kelvin Toews said the call came in shortly after 11 a.m.

He said the cause under investigation but it is suspected it started from a bonfire last night.

The fire got close to some machine sheds, quanset and at one point was heading towards a residential area. No buildings were affected, though.

Toews said the wind made fighting the fire a real challenge.

"It is tough," he said. "When you feel you've got it out on one front, the wind fans the flame and you've got another fire starting on another front. So it's quite difficult and quite taxing on the firefighters."

He said most of the hard work is done, but they are keeping a close eye on it.

"For the most part, we're just in the process of monitoring it, hitting some hot spots. With wind like today it doesn't take much for an ember to turn into a flame and when it catches tall grass, it can get away in a hurry."

Here are the RM's that have banned burning in the last 24 hours:

• Armstrong
• Beausejour
• Brokenhead
• Cornwallis
• de Salaberry
• Hanover
• Piney
• Ritchot
• Springfield
• St. Pierre-Jolys
• St. Andrews
• St. Clements
• St. Laurent
• Stuartburn
• West Interlake
• West St. Paul.

The RM of Franklin banned burning earlier this month.Ste. Anne and Tache banned burning in March.