Open Burning Ban rescinded in North Cowichan

September 27, 2023

Effective Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at noon, the current ban on recreational (campfires) and Category 2 & 3 fires will be rescinded for the Municipality of North Cowichan. 

The fall open burning window will take place from September 27 at noon until November 30. Open burning during this time is only permitted in limited circumstances in North Cowichan:

If your property is inside the Urban Containment Boundary* (UCB):

  • Property must be 2 acres or greater
  • Owner/tenant must obtain a Municipal permit (no fee)
  • Only when the venting index** is good

If your property is outside the UCB*:

  • Only when the venting index** is good

If you are permitted to burn, fires must be located at least 4 metres from all buildings, structures, and combustible and flammable materials, and 10 metres from all property lines. Learn the difference between campfires, category 2 fires, and category 3 fires: Open fire regulations

The lifting of the ban also means that the following previously prohibited items will be permitted:

  • Fireworks (fireworks are only permitted in North Cowichan if you have an approved permit: www.northcowichan.ca/fireworks), sky lanterns, burning barrels or burning cages of any size or description, and the use of binary exploding targets (e.g. for rifle target practice)

*Use this mapping tool to find out if your property is inside or outside the Urban Containment Boundary (UCB). 

** Visit the Provincial venting index webpage and scroll down to "SRN VANCOUVER ISLAND" or call 1-888-281-2992 for a recorded message of the daily venting index for Southern Vancouver Island.

For More Information Contact:
Jason deJong, Assistant Fire Chief LAFC
North Cowichan Fire Department
250-746-3276

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