Until Nov. 1, Manitoba Agriculture is restricting daytime burning of crop residue.

Only authorized municipalities can burn during the daytime, and farmers in municipalties bordering Winnipeg must obtain burning permits before going ahead.

"Really it's so farmers burn safely and smoke doesn't interfere with things like highways, but also for residents, like the city of Winnipeg, so that they don't end up with smoke ending becoming a health problem," says Manitoba Agriculture's Brian Wilson.

He also says night-burning has been banned in Manitoba for at least 20 years.

"What happens during the night, is that the smoke doesn't disperse because of environmental conditions, so it stays close to the ground, and therefore can become a health hazard."

Violators of these restrictions may be fined or charged. To report illegal burning, contact Manitoba Conversation and Water Stewardship.