Current Burning Permissions
Open burning—or burning outdoors—is allowed when the wildfire risk is low and can be a useful tool when conducted responsibly. Open burning includes Category 1 campfire, Category 2, and Category 3 open fire.
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Join Our Team
Employment Opportunities
We currently have the following job opportunities:
Temporary full-time Local FireSmart Representative position with Emergency Management Cowichan within the Strategic Services Department. This temporary grant-funded position is expected to run until September 2026. For details please see https://careers-cvrd.icims.com/jobs/1979/local-firesmart-representative/job
You can also visit the CVRD Website to find an extensive list of all the current employment opportunities available with Emergency Management Cowichan & CVRD.
Volunteer with EMC
EMC Volunteers are on standby to support their community during an emergency. Training is held both in-person and online depending on the nature of course. Meetings are held quarterly with stream specific meetings held every two months.
EMC Volunteer Requirements:
- 18+ years of age and in good health.
- Emergency Support Services (ESS) volunteers need to have access to a vehicle.
- Have a phone and email address.
- Be compassionate, adaptable, & responsible, be able to clearly communicate, and have good listening skills.
- Be willing to participate and attend training and incidents in the Cowichan area.
How to Register as an EMC Volunteer
1
Get in touch with EMC to learn more about our volunteer program. Connect with us at Community Events or contact EMC directly at general@emcowichan.ca
2
Complete a criminal record check.
3
Register through EMC as a Public Safety Lifeline Volunteer and receive your Provincial Volunteer ID.
4
Select the volunteer streams that interest you in the EMC Volunteer Program.
5
Receive free training and be deployed to respond to emergencies in your community.
EMC Volunteer Streams
Emergency
Support Services
Support Services
Coordinate 72 hours of support for evacuees (from a house fire to a flood) in the Cowichan region. Includes single household evacuations to regional evacuations from large disasters.
Disaster Animal
Response Team
Response Team
Volunteer with a team to provide short term support to pets evacuated from house fires or support a emergency pet care shelter during a large scale evacuation.
Emergency
Radio
Radio
The EMC Emergency Radio team is the last line of defense during a massive communications outage. Put your amateur radio certificate to use and volunteer.
Community Preparedness
& Firesmart
& Firesmart
Be a champion for emergency preparedness in your own community. Volunteer with EMC to support community preparedness initiatives and the FireSmart program in neighbourhoods across the region.
Field Assessment
& Logistics
& Logistics
Join a team of volunteers who can be deployed to assess a community that has been impacted after a disaster. Provide invaluable situational awareness to emergency responders. The team may also provide logistical supports when needed.
Volunteer Application Form
