Open burning restrictions extended two months

The B.C. government is extending open burning restrictions for all high smoke sensitivity zones in the province until June 15, 2020.

The Environment Ministry said it means no new fires can be started and no additional material may be added to existing fires in a move to prevent excess air pollution during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The restrictions do not apply to campfires which are still allowed in some jurisdictions.

“Evidence suggests that air pollution from combustion sources is most strongly associated with increased risk of viral infection, particularly vehicle emissions and biomass burning,” Dan Bings from environmental management act compliance said. “At this time, the BC Centre for Disease Control recommends that open burning of biomass fuels be restricted in areas with high or moderate risk of population exposure to the resulting smoke.”

The restrictions were originally put in place until April 14, 2020.