Open burning banned throughout B.C.

Almost all forms of open burning will be banned effective April 16 at noon.

Campfires will still be allowed but larger Category 2 and Category 3 fires, as well as resource management fires and the use of fireworks, sky lanterns and burn barrels or burn cages will be prohibited, B.C. Wildfire Service said.

"These open burning prohibitions will reduce demands on firefighting resources and help protect the health and safety of the public, as well as B.C. Wildfire Service staff," the branch said in a statement. "They will also help reduce the impact of wildfire smoke on air quality and public health during the COVID-19 pandemic."

The ban applies to all public and private land across the province. A similar ban against burning of wood and yard waste has been in place in Prince George, Quesnel and Houston since March 30.