You’d better think twice before having a social distancing-appropriate bonfire tonight.
In yet another effort to combat the spread of COVID-19, the Agassiz Fire Department announced on Friday morning that burning within the District of Kent is suspended by order of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and provincial health authorities. The Village of Harrison Hot Springs would also fall under this order.
The burn ban is in effect until April 15, 2020.
RELATED: Increased coronavirus cases spark B.C.-wide burning restrictions
On Thursday, March 26, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy announced open burning restrictions throughout the province. The District of Kent and Harrison Hot Springs fall under a high smoke sensitivity zone, and as such , no new fires may be initiated and no additional material may be added to existing fires.
“There is strong evidence that exposure to air pollution increases susceptibility to respiratory viral infections by decreasing immune function,” said Daniel Bings of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “Evidence suggests that air pollution from combustion sources is most strongly associated with increased risk of viral infection, particularly vehicle emissions and biomass burning.”
RELATED: Harrison to continue visitor deterring measures, beef up COVID-19 rule enforcement
A complete map of the provincial Interactive Venting Index web page can be found here.
Jennifer Smith of the Vernon Morning Star contributed to this report.
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