The system of authorizations and permits for burning crop residue in Manitoba is back on again for the fall, the province reminded farmers Thursday.
Between now and Nov. 15, farmers need authorization before they can burn crop residue off their fields. Details on where and when burning is authorized, based on the proper weather conditions for smoke to disperse safely, are available online by 11 a.m. daily.
Producers with land in municipalities around Winnipeg must also get a permit prior to burning. Those permits are also available online or from a provincial GO office.
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Night burning of crop residue, rights-of-way, ditches, native pastures and waste areas is banned year-round, the province warned Thursday.
The fine for illegal burning in Manitoba is $2,324, on top of any fines under the provincial Environment Act, which can run up to $50,000, the province said.
Stubble burning, particularly near Winnipeg, has previously stoked controversy. Most recently, stubble smoke was blamed for reduced visibility that caused two separate highway accidents in the Winnipeg area within days of each other in late summer 2007.
The province’s current controlled burning program was drafted with input from an advisory committee that includes representatives from the Manitoba Lung Association, parents of children with asthma, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Manitoba Health and farmer group Keystone Agricultural Producers.
