This year’s forest fire season in the north is below average. Shauna Kortz, Fire Control Officer for Manitoba Conservation says with the amount of precipitation we’ve received it has helped keep the fires to a bare minimum.

Mike Bourgon, Deputy Fire Chief gives us some tips on being cautious around open flames.

“While everything starts to dry out, biggest thing you want to worry about is your open fires. If you have a fire you want to make sure you put it out fully, smouldering fires are not put out fires. Make sure to dig out a couple inches past where you’ve done your burning. Be careful with smoking and where you throw your cigarette butts. Throwing them out the window down the highway can cause a fire in the ditch.”

If you’re having a backyard fire you’ll need a burning permit. Permits for fires within city limits can be picked up at City Hall.

For fires outside of city limits you will need to pick up a burning permit at the Provincial Building. Permits are free of charge, but getting caught without one will cost you.

If you spot a fire call the 24/7 fire centre at 677-6624 or the tip line at 1-800-782=0076