The Rural Municipality of Taché, Manitoba, has codified a new three-tier fire restriction system to help residents understand when it is safe to have outdoor fires. The system, adopted by the RM in conjunction with the Taché Fire Department, applies across the municipality — including Lorette, Landmark and Ste. Geneviève — and has been active since the 2025/2026 winter-to-spring transition.
Under the rules, the RM’s published “current fire restriction level” indicates whether residents may use open fire pits or are limited to approved, enclosed barbecues and outdoor fireplaces. Level I allows fires in approved receptacles and permits open-air fires, but anyone planning an open-air burn must notify the RM of Taché Fire Department of their intent. Level II limits fires to approved receptacles only, and Level III is a total ban on all outdoor burning.
The bylaw sets a wind-speed cutoff: fires must not be set or maintained when winds exceed 25 kilometres per hour. It also requires that smoke not cause a nuisance or irritation to adjacent properties or reduce visibility on any highway or road.
Residents who wish to conduct open-air burns must contact the fire department Monday through Friday and provide a minimum of 48 hours’ notice before the proposed burn; submitting a burn-permit request does not automatically authorize burning.
The policy was developed after a string of volatile wildfire seasons, including a major uncontrolled fire in March 2024 in Taché and neighbouring Springfield that underscored the need for clearer, predictable rules. Fire Chief Allan Rau has previously warned conditions can be “dire” during dry seasons and has urged residents to follow restrictions to protect life and property.
