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Burning & Air Quality

Open Burning in the CVRD

Open burning in CVRD Electoral Areas A, B, C, D, E, and G is regulated under Smoke Control Bylaw No. 3716. Burning is only permitted from March 15 to April 15, and October 15 to November 15. All burning must be set in accordance with federal or provincial regulations.

Burning in Areas F, H, and I is regulated by the Ministry of Environment; residents should check the current bans and restrictions before starting a burn.

For all Areas, when burning is permitted:

  • Check the 4:00 BC Venting Index projection for Southern Vancouver Island before you burn (or call 1.888.281.2992)
    • Open burning is only allowed when the Southern Vancouver Island Venting Index is rated GOOD for 4:00 pm on the day you want to burn
  • All burning must occur between 7:00 a.m. and sunset of the same day
  • Open burning is limited to only one hand-piled fire not greater than two metres wide and two metres high and must be continually supervised
  • Only untreated natural wood, prunings or branches can be burned (NO leaves, grass clippings, garbage or construction waste)
  • Open burning must be located at least 10 metres from all property lines

Smoke Pollution and Your Health

Smoke pollution from open burning can seriously impact your health, as well as the health and well-being of your family and neighbours.

Chemicals found in backyard burn smoke can include dioxins, furans, arsenic, mercury, PCBs, lead, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, hydrochloric acid and fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

To protect and improve air quality in the Cowichan Region, the CVRD has drafted two bylaws that regulate backyard burning and land clearing debris burning. Want to promote healthy hearts and lungs instead?

How You Can Help Reduce Air Pollution

Alternatives to Open Burning

There are many alternatives to open burning in the Cowichan Valley. Remember, by not burning your waste, you’re helping to clear the air for your neighbours while also saving valuable resources for reuse. 

  • The CVRD provides free yard and garden waste drop-off at local Recycling Centres.
  • Private waste management facilities offer free or low-cost yard and garden drop-off
  • Yard and garden materials are composted and reused for landscaping, lawns and gardens. Chip and mulch to reuse material on site
  • Residential homes in the Cowichan region receive curbside pick-up of recyclable materials and garbage as part of your annual utility bill. Why not take advantage of the service and recycle your waste?

Ventilation Index Forecast

Report an Illegal Burn

All fire safety concerns or emergencies should be reported to a local fire department or by calling 911 Emergency Services.

To report illegal backyard burns in Areas A, B, C, D, E, and G:

Call your local municipal Bylaw Enforcement Officer. Telephone numbers are listed below:

To report illegal open burning in Areas F, H, and I, and for burning of landclearing material, construction debris, or prohibited materials:

  • Call the BC Conservation Officer Service Report All Poachers & Polluters (RAPP) line at 1.877.952.7277
Land Acknowledgement
The CVRD is in the ancestral and unceded territories of First Nations including (but not limited to) Quw'utsun (Cowichan Tribes), MÁLEXEŁ (Malahat), BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin), c̓uubaʕsaʔtx̣ (Ts'uubaa-asatx), xeláltxw (Halalt), Spune’luxutth (Penelakut), Stz'uminus, Leey’qsun (Lyackson), Diitiidʔaaʔtx̣ (Ditidaht) and P’a:chi:da?aht (Pacheedaht) Peoples. Local First Nations Peoples have stewarded the lands of this region since time immemorial. The CVRD is committed to the ongoing journey of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in the region by strengthening cooperation, collaboration, and relationship building.