Earlier this year, the RM of Dauphin made some changes to the process of getting burn permits, mostly focused around convenience for applicants.
Ernie Sirski, RM of Dauphin Reeve, said the main change to allow online applications will help burn permits get approved quickly and with less of a hassle.
"One of the first [changes] is that you can do an online application, and if you do an online application, fill out the form, the burning permit is effective immediately, so there's no delay in the authorization or the implementation, so that's a positve step...you do however, before you get your first time burning permit, you have to get authorization from the office, and that's all outlined in the application form...if there's any questions, just call the office at 204-638-4531 and ask for Alana, because she'll be able to walk you through the entire process if it's not entirely clear what's going on," said Sirski.
The convenience factor of online permits and immediate effect is great, but that's not the only great thing. Sirski said because of how quickly burn conditions can change, it's a good thing for safety too.
"The reason we implemented this change is because conditions can change very quickly throughout the course of the day. You can have a really heavy wet dew first thing in the morning, then by 11 in the morning it's perfect burning conditons," said Sirski.
He also said anyone seeking a burn permit should still check with the province for more specific regulations, becuase they still regulate those.
"Should phone into the province, make sure that burning is allowed during this period because the province still administers that as well. Have to make sure that fires are out a certain time of day depending on the season, and they shouldn't start before a certain time," said Sirski.
Click here to visit the RM of Dauphin's website page for both information on burn permits, and the online burn permit applications.
