Open burning no longer permitted in Thompson, Okanagan

The open burning season has come to an early end in the Okanagan and Thompson regions.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy partnered with public health officials today, March 26, to issue an open burning restriction for all high sensitivity areas across the province, including the Thompson and Okanagan valleys.

No new fires may be started during this time.

A map of affected areas is available on the provincial interactive venting index webpage here.

The Regional District of Central Okanagan issued the notice for all areas within the City of West Kelowna, City of Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, District of Peachland, District of Lake Country and Regional District of Central Okanagan.

The decision is part of efforts to reduce excess air pollution in populated areas and comes as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in B.C.

Evidence has shown exposure to air pollution can increase susceptibility to respiratory viral infections.

The ban is effective through April 15.

For more information about the opening burning ban go here.

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