Where & When Can Open Burning Occur?
When there is no open burning ban in place, backyard burning is only permitted in limited circumstances:
- If your property is within the urban containment boundary:
- Property must be 2 acres or greater
- Owner/tenant must obtain a Municipal permit (no fee)
- Only between March 15 - April 15 AND September 15 - November 30
- Only when the venting index is good
- If your property is outside the urban containment boundary:
- Only between March 15 - April 15 AND September 15 - November 30
- Only when the venting index is good
- Category 3 burns (fires larger than 2m high by 3m wide or where multiple piles are being burned concurrently, typically to burn debris from land clearing or development):
- Not allowed within the urban containment boundary
- Allowed outside the urban containment boundary only in conjunction with an air curtain burner.
Please review North Cowichan's Fire Protection Bylaw [PDF - 238 KB] and the Ministry of Environment's Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation prior to any open burning. A person who contravenes the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation can receive a Provincial fine of up to $200,000, as well as Municipal fines.