Fire officials are urging residents in Ste. Anne, Manitoba to exercise caution as the region enters its peak season for grass fires. With conditions currently creating a high risk for wildfires, the Sainte-Anne Fire Department and local leaders are reminding the community to follow all burning restrictions to prevent potential emergencies.
Dry grass remaining from last year, combined with dry trees and a lack of new spring growth, makes it easy for fires to ignite and spread quickly this time of year. Ste. Anne Fire Chief Robert Saindon warned that current conditions are particularly dangerous, noting that embers from a fire can travel between 1.6 and 3.2 kilometres away, and in extreme cases, as far as 40 kilometres.
The RM of Ste. Anne is currently under Level 3 fire restrictions. This means that only enclosed fires with a cover are permitted. Residents are advised that these restrictions are in place to protect the community, and violations can result in fines.
According to the Manitoba Wildfire Service, the province sees hundreds of wildfires every year that threaten homes and property. Officials emphasize that most of these fires are caused by human activity and can be prevented through vigilance and by following local safety guidelines.
Following a devastating 2025 wildfire season that resulted in a province-wide state of emergency, Manitoba has increased its firefighting capacity for 2026. This includes the addition of 19 new firefighters, the training of 315 emergency firefighters from First Nations and municipal members, the formation of three new initial attack crews, and a $1.1 million investment in aerial fire services.
