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Find the latest emergency information, preparedness notices, program updates and community resources from Emergency Management Cowichan. Check back regularly for new information that can help you stay aware, prepared and connected.
Gala Vista Apartment Fire

August 22, 2026

On August 21, 2026 at approximately 2:30 am, the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP, Duncan Fire Department, North Cowichan Fire Department and Cowichan Bay Fire Department attended a structure fire on Government St. in Duncan. The structure fire was contained to one building and evacuation of all tenants was required. Damage was sustained to the building is under investigation. Emergency Management Cowichan was activated to assist with displacement of residents. Emergency Management Cowichan is providing the following update regarding the Gala Vista Apartment Fire:

 - Repairs and cleanup work for the Gala Vista Apartments are expected to take about 2 weeks.
 - On Wednesday August 26, 2026, residents will be allowed to come to the site and collect small personal items from their apartment. Tenants from floors 1 and 2 are asked to arrive at 10 a.m., and tenants on floors 3 and 4 at 12:30 p.m. Staff will escort residents to their suites, and residents must wear personal protective equipment (N95 masks).
 - EM Cowichan will continue providing shelter and accommodation support for all evacuated residents for the next 2 weeks while repairs are underway. The EMC Emergency Support Services (ESS) team will contact evacuees later this week to confirm these arrangements.
 - EMC is not accepting donations. The VIHA Free Store is available to support clothing needs for evacuated residents but is not open to the public at this time. Evacuees can contact us for the phone number for the Free Store and get in touch with the Cowichan Valley Basket Society for extra help with food.

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Current Burning Permissions
There is currently a fire ban for the Cowichan area. A fire ban includes Category 1 campfire, Category 2, and Category 3 open fire. All of these fire types are strictly prohibited in the Cowichan area.
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During drought conditions, your water system operator may introduce water use restrictions to conserve limited water supplies. There are four stages of water restrictions which are coordinated across the Cowichan Valley. Local conditions may sometimes require a higher stage of water restrictions on certain systems.
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