The Carman Dufferin Fire Department has issued a burning ban until further notice.
Due to unseasonably warm temperatures this May and extremely high winds, the department implemented the ban to reduce the risk of wildfires. It came into effect Wednesday, May 7, and Fire Chief Chris Lemky said it will remain in place for the foreseeable future.
The ban applies to all outdoor fires except for approved firepits. That means backyard bonfires are generally allowed, but other open fires in the Rural Municipality of Dufferin are not.
“We’re finding, especially with the last week and with the forecast coming up with high winds and high heat, obviously it’s not normal for this time of year to be getting 30-degree days — everything is very dry,” said Lemky. “Fires that have started are spreading quickly, so we felt the need to put it in place.”
The fire department has recently been busy responding to grass and bush fires. Last week, they were called to a structure fire that spread to nearby grass and bush due to strong winds. The accidental fire was caused by someone welding inside the building.
In the same week, firefighters responded to another incident where a tree branch brought down hydro lines, sparking a fire. When the breaker on the line tripped, it dropped additional sparks that ignited a third fire.
According to the provincial government’s FireView 2025 map, as of last Friday, there were three out-of-control wildfires in Manitoba, two being monitored, two being held, and several more under control.
Anyone caught starting an unapproved fire that gets out of control can be fined under RM of Dufferin bylaws. Lemky said following the rules is vital to community safety. The Manitoba government notes that the province’s wildfire risk is highest between April and October.
“Anything we can do to take precautions, we will,” he said.
Burning bans are currently in effect across much of southern Manitoba, including in the RMs of Thompson, Pembina, Norfolk Treherne and Lorne. Miami Fire and Rescue was unavailable for comment.
The fire ban comes during Emergency Preparedness Week, held May 4 to 10. The week is “an opportunity for Manitobans to learn more about the essential steps they can take to prepare for an emergency and protect their families, neighbours and communities.”
The Carman Dufferin Fire Department marked the occasion with social media posts aimed at boosting awareness around emergency preparedness. Lemky said the Thanksgiving storm a few years ago — which knocked out power in the area for several days — likely prompted many residents to be more prepared.
“Nothing gets people more prepared than actually having an event,” he said. “I think after having an emergency like that, people are more prepared.”
This year’s Emergency Preparedness Week theme was “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks.” The department reminded residents to have emergency supplies on hand, including water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, medication, first-aid kits, phone and battery chargers, toiletries and clothing. Lemky said every household should have enough supplies to last 72 hours.
The Town of Carman and RM of Dufferin both have emergency alert systems in place, in addition to the provincewide system. Lemky said with both systems available, officials hope they can get timely information out to the public.
