OUTDOOR BURN LAW
A Law to regulate outdoor burning for the purpose of wildfire prevention and for the purpose of control and regulation of pollution year round
As a result of climate change, our region is experiencing frequent and worsening drought conditions, resulting in an increased risk of outdoor fires growing out of control.
WHY?
Increase safety. Prevent wildfires and protect tumhw. Protect the rights of cultural and ceremonial outdoor fires.
COWICHAN TRIBES
Outdoor Burning Law No. 01-2024
Click here or scan QR Code to view the complete Law
A person may ignite or maintain a fire for cultural and ceremonial purposes at any time.
When fire danger rating is “high” or “extreme”, Cowichan Tribes
Emergency Services needs to be notified in advance of a planned cultural ceremonial fire so the fire department doesn’t respond and disrupt the ceremony.
Please Contact Emergency Services at (778) 901-9111
Provide: Location, day and time
OUTDOOR FIRE REGULATIONS
GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR ALL FIRES
A person nineteen (19) or older must be present at all times to supervise.
Must be ignited or maintained in a non-combustible pit with a built-in grill. Must be located a minimum of 3 metres from neighboring properties, buildings, overhead wiring, highways, trees and combustible materials.
PUTTING OUT YOUR FIRE
Fire MUST be fully extinguished through the use of WATER, and not by covering the fire with sand or other material.
GENERAL OUTDOOR FIRE SIZE
KWA’MUTSUN
To effectively safeguard the fire YOU MUST HAVE TOOLS AND WATER AT ALL TIMES
NEVER LEAVE A FIRE UNATTENDED
Burning of noxious or hazardous materials NOT ALLOWED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE
FIRE DANGER RATING
ONLY CULTURAL & CEREMONIAL FIRES ARE PERMITED IF RISK IS “EXTREME”
Please notify Cowichan Tribes Emergency Services in advance
The following Outdoor Fires are allowed when the Fire Danger Rating is listed as less than“Extreme”:
CAMPFIRE BEACH FIRE
Water and tools available at all times
BBQs & FIRE PITS
BBQs with charcoal, propane or natural gas.
Propane fire pits and wood pallet stoves.
Water and tools available at all times
BBQs & FIRE INCINERATORPITSFIRES
Ensure that the fire is no larger than one (1) metre in diameter and one (1) metre in height with a mesh screen.
TL’ULPA LUS
Must be confined to the property where the material was originated.
The fire is adequately protected by a fuel break.
Water and tools available at all times
TO
Fires are at least ten (10) metres from all neighbouring property lines, overhead wiring, combustible property, and highways.
The fire is started on the property where the material to be burned originated, and you must have the permission of the owner.
The fire is enclosed by a fuel break.
The parcel of land is at least one (1) hectare or larger in size, or as authorized in a permit.
The fire is for the purpose of agricultural use.
You adhere to allotted time frames within the law.