Duncan air quality advisory issued following prescribed burns

An air quality advisory was issued for the Duncan area on November 1 due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter. Officials identified several contributing factors, most notably prescribed pile burning conducted by Mosaic Forest Management in the Cowichan Lake area.

The burns, which covered approximately half a hectare, are part of a fire hazard abatement strategy intended to reduce debris that could fuel future wildfires. While the flames visible on the mountainside above Highway 18 caused concern among residents, the Lake Cowichan Fire Department stated these operations are essential tools for community protection. Mosaic Forest Management noted that the burns were designed by professional foresters and approved by the BC Wildfire Service.

Lake Cowichan Mayor Tim McGonigle suggested that the region's topography, which can act like a funnel, may have channeled smoke toward Duncan. He also noted that agricultural burning in the Cowichan Valley Regional District likely contributed to the cumulative air quality effects.