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.