May 11th, 2021
The R.M. of Souris Valley No. 7 and the R.M. of Lomond No. 37 have been in the HIGH fire risk from the Saskatchewan Spatial Fire Management System for the past several weeks. In addition, the RM of Souris Valley No. 7 and the RM of Lomond No. 37 have issued a Fire Ban for both RM’s. This has made it difficult for farmers to burn off fields prior to seeding.
The R.M. of Souris Valley No. 7, the R.M. of Lomond No. 37 and the 737 Volunteer Fire Department support an agriculture exception to the current burn ban. The exception would only be for a controlled burn of crop residue to plant the 2021 crop. No other burning, such as brush piles, old buildings, sloughs, or non-crop related fires shall be exempted, any person who violates this exemption, and a firefighting response is required, the fire-fighting fees will be doubled.
The exception would be at the discretion of the 737 Fire Chief, as well as the 2 Deputy Fire Chiefs, who must notify the RM offices and the Fire Department that they have approved a controlled burn. Prior to approving the burn, the individual will need to ensure that they have an adequate firebreak around the burn site. The individual planning to burn must also have either a tractor with tillage implement, or a vehicle with a water tank and pump capable of extinguishing any fire that starts outside the fire break as well as the necessary manpower.
Fire Chief – Glenn Walkeden 306-861-7782
Souris Valley No. 7 Fire Chief – Kyle Ashworth – 306-861-9352
Lomond No. 37 Fire Chief – Brian Woodard – 306-891-4642
RM of Souris Valley No. 7 Office 306-456-2676
RM of Lomond No. 37 Office 306-456-2566