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Burning and Air Quality
Effective at noon on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, open fires will be permitted in the Coastal Fire Centre's jurisdiction; this rescinding of open burning prohibitions means that campfires, Category 2 open fires, Category 3 open fires and resource management burns will be permitted within the Coastal Fire Centre's jurisdiction. However, open burning in the CVRD is restricted to between March 15 and April 15, and October 15 to November 15.
There are many alternatives to open burning. The CVRD offers free yard and garden waste drop-off at local Recycling Centres.
Smoke pollution from open burning can seriously impact your health, as well as the health and well-being of your family and neighbours. The CVRD and partners have set up a network of air quality sensors for residents to check out real-time air pollution levels in the Cowichan region.
To protect and improve air quality in the Cowichan Region, the CVRD has drafted two bylaws which regulate backyard burning and landclearing debris burning. Make sure that you know the rules before you burn!
If you heat your home with a woodstove, you may also be eligible for a rebate through the 2020 Woodstove Replacement Program.
Smoke Pollution and Your Health
Scientific evidence indicates a strong link between air pollution levels and impacts on human health. Burning yard waste in your backyard or improperly using a woodstove for home heating spreads invisible, toxic chemicals throughout the region. These chemicals include dioxins, furans, arsenic, mercury, PCBs, lead, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, hydrochloric acid and fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
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Solid Waste Facilities
Phone: 250.746.2677
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:
Call CVRD Bylaw Enforcement at 250.746.2655 or after hours leave a message at 250.746.2500
Call your local municipal Bylaw Enforcement Officer. Telephone numbers are listed below:
District of North Cowichan 250.746.3100
Town of Lake Cowichan 250.749.6681
Town of Ladysmith 250.245.6400
City of Duncan 250.746.6126
To report illegal open burning of landclearing, construction debris, or prohibited materials:
Call the BC Conservation Officer Service Report All Poachers & Polluters (RAPP) line at 1.877.952.7277
Call CVRD Bylaw Enforcement at 250.746.2655 or after hours leave a message at 250.746.2500