Fire ban in effect in Winnipeg

A Winnipeg Fire Parademic Services truck is pictured in an undated photo. (File image)

The City of Winnipeg has put an open-air fire ban in place for the next two weeks.

Starting at 6 p.m. Monday, the fire ban will be in place inside the city limits until 6 p.m. on May 19 due to current conditions.

The ban prohibits open fires, backyard fire pits, and fireworks, along with the use of fire pits in city parks, even if a permit has been issued. The use of solid fuel-burning appliances, including charcoal and wood-burning barbecues, is also prohibited under the ban.

Propane and gas barbecues can still be used, but the city is reminding owners to use caution.

No new permits will be issued during the time of the ban. People violating the ban can be fined $500.

The City of Winnipeg responded to two grass fires within city limits Sunday evening. One was located in the 300 block of McPhillips Street, while the other was located in the 1100 block of Dakota Street. The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) said the fire on Dakota Street was approximately four football fields in size.