Information Bulletin – Wildfires in the RDCK
By Regional District of Central Kootenay
The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) remains in regular communication with BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) to monitor the fires within the region. Over the past three days the Southeast Fire Centre has experienced increased lightning-caused wildfire activity. In total there are 98 wildfires in the area, 78 of which remain out of control. This is a dynamic situation that can change hourly, so residents are encouraged to be prepared and follow the BCWS website and the RDCK website for the most accurate and up to date information.
Throughout the RDCK, Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a heat warning with a prolonged heat event with highs between 28 and 37 degrees Celsius. Overnight lows will remain warm, ranging from mid-teens to low-20s, and will not provide much relief from the daytime heat.
Aylwin Creek wildfire, N51065 and Komonko Creek wildfire, N51210
The Aylwin Creek wildfire, South of Silverton, in Electoral Area H is currently listed as a wildfire of note and out of control by BCWS. The wildfire was discovered on Thursday, July 18 and is estimated to be 121 hectares. The cause of the fire is believed to be lightning.
Aylwin Creek wildfire BCWS incident details page
On the recommendation of BCWS, the RDCK issued an Evacuation Order on July 18 for 11 properties along Highway 6 in Electoral Area H. This order was expanded on July 19 to include 96 additional properties south of the Village of Silverton in the Red Mountain road area, east of Slocan Lake, near the Highway 6 corridor, bringing the total to 107 properties on Evacuation Order. This Order remains in place; the public is advised the area is not accessible to enter.
The RDCK also issued an Evacuation Alert on Friday, July 19 for the entire Village of Silverton and 14 adjacent properties in Electoral Area H. This alert remains in place and anyone in the affected area must be ready to leave on short notice.
Across Highway 6 from the Aylwin Creek wildfire is another wildfire of note, the Komonko Creek wildfire. First discovered on Friday, July 19, the suspected cause of the wildfire is lightning. The wildfire is estimated at 534 hectares and has been classified as out of control.
Komonko Creek wildfire BCWS incident details page
BCWS has wildfire aviation, including air tankers, and structure protection working to suppress both these fires once conditions and visibility improve.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) has closed 12km of Highway 6 to both North and Southbound traffic. No traffic will be allowed to pass through and there is not an estimated time for opening the highway. For more information visit www.drivebc.ca.
Nemo Creek N51103
The Nemo Creek 1 and 2 wildfires were discovered on the west shore of Slocan Lake on Thursday, July 18 in Electoral Area H. The fires merged and BCWS is now referring to this fire as Nemo Creek. As of July 20 the fire is estimated to be 823ha in size, the cause of this fire is suspected to be lightning.
Nemo Creek wildfire BCWS incident details page
On the recommendation of the BCWS, the RDCK issued an Evacuation Order on Thursday, July 19 for 21 waterfront parcels on the west shore of Slocan lake in Electoral Area H, and a small portion of Valhalla Provincial Park. This Order remains in place and the public is advised the area is not accessible to enter. We ask that you respect this order and follow the signage that has been placed along the shore of the area under Order.
The fire is burning upslope and is considered inoperable terrain. BCWS is monitoring fire behaviour throughout the day.
Argenta Creek Cluster wildfires, N71058, N71083, N71084, N71088, and N71089
The storm system that moved through the region on Wednesday, July 17 was responsible for starting a cluster of five fires located in the Argenta Creek area, located on the east shore at the north end of Kootenay Lake in Electoral Area D. All of the fires have been assessed and are being responded to in a priority sequence by BCWS. Currently, suppression activities for the cluster are being focused on fires closest to the community.
N71058 wildfire BCWS incident details page
N71083 wildfire BCWS incident details page
N71084 wildfire BCWS incident details page
N71088 wildfire BCWS incident details page
N71089 wildfire BCWS incident details page
There are firefighters on site and a helicopter crew supporting the ground crew by cooling the fires’ edge. Air tankers are in the area to support if needed, and heavy equipment is being mobilized on the fire to support suppression efforts by developing control lines at the base of the mountain.
BC Parks has proactively closed the Earl Grey Pass trailhead due to the proximity of the two of the wildfires in this cluster.
Eagle Creek wildfire, N17049
The Eagle Creek wildfire, located above Blewett, west of the City of Nelson in Electoral Area E, is currently listed as out of control by BCWS and is estimated to be 7ha in size. This fire has 1 unit crew, 2 response officers, a helicopter and a skimmer group working on controlling it.
Eagle Creek wildfire BCWS incident details page
Skimmer and helicopters have been supporting response efforts throughout the day, using local water sources. In the interest of crew and public safety, people are urged to keep well away from areas where air tankers or helicopters are operating. People using other watercraft in the intended flightpath present a serious safety risk for air crews and anyone else in the area. This behaviour is dangerous and interferes with the BC Wildfire Service’s ability to fight wildfires. We thank you for your support.
Ponderosa FSR wildfires, N51069 and N51229
The Ponderosa FSR wildfires were discovered on Friday, July 19 north of Lemon Creek in Electoral Area H and are currently listed as out of control by BCWS. They are estimated to be 40ha (N51069) and 30ha (N51229). There is an initial attack crew on site and wildfire aviation support will be available once flying conditions approve.
N51069 wildfire BCWS incident details page
N51229 wildfire BCWS incident details page
General Information
For more information on the wildfire refer to BCWS Wildfires website, BCWS Facebook and BCWS X.
Visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo for the complete details of all current evacuation orders and alerts. Affected residents with any questions can contact the RDCK Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at 250-352-7701.
Be Prepared
Now is the time to prepare for a potential evacuation. Follow the links below for valuable resources on how to make an emergency plan and prepare your grab and go bag. This includes preparing for your animals and livestock to be relocated. Residents in affected Evacuation Alert areas are encouraged to make arrangements to stay with friends and family in the event of an Evacuation Order.
Sign up for the RDCK Emergency Notification system and become FireSmart by having a FREE FireSmart assessment done on your home.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
- In case of emergency dial 911
- RDCK Emergency Operations Centre Inquiry Line 250.352.7701
- BC Wildfire 1.800.663.5555 or *5555
- BC Hydro 1.800.224.9376
- Fortis BC 1.866.436.7847
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