Open burning is only permitted from March 15 to April 15 and from October 15 to November 15

Know the Rules

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
What is the Venting Index and Why Does it Matter?

The Venting Index measures how well smoke can mix with the surrounding air. Based on wind speed and mixing height of the atmosphere (e.g. how high smoke rises), the Index determines how long smoke persists in a given area. Given that the Cowichan Valley is bowl-shaped, smoke can get trapped here for days, causing poor air quality and respiratory issues. This means that open burning is only permitted when the Venting Index is rated GOOD, not FAIR or POOR. 

For more details, see the Ventilation Index Forecast on the right and the interactive map below.

Ventilation Index Map
Fire Danger Rating Information

Fire ratings are provided as a convenience. BC’s Fire Danger webpage is the source of the ratings and has the most accurate current rating.

CVRD Burning Bylaw

On July 10, 2013 the CVRD enacted CVRD Bylaw No. 3716 – Smoke Control Regulation Bylaw, 2013. This bylaw effectively restricts Backyard Burning to 2 time periods ONLY:

  • March 15 to April 15
  • October 15 to November 15

Read the Entire Bylaw: CVRD Bylaw No. 3716 1.

Reporting Burning Complaints

If the Fire is a threat to life or property, immediately dial 9-1-1

To report burning of construction debris, garbage and other prohibited materials:

Anytime – Call the BC Conservation Officer Service Report All Poachers & Polluters (RAPP) Line at 1-877-952-7277.

To report Backyard Burns:

For backyard burning in CVRD Electoral Areas, contact CVRD Bylaw Enforcement at 250-746-2500.

For more information: https://www.cvrd.ca/2956/Know-the-Rules