RDCK Emergency Operations Centre provides update to fire situation in region
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.
There are currently 85 wildfires in the Southeast Fire Centre, with four (4) wildfires of note, and 62 listed as 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.
For residents on Evacuation Order:
Receiving an Evacuation Order can be an emotional experience. You may be reluctant to leave your home and community. However, choosing to remain in an area that is under an Evacuation Order puts yourself, your family, and first responders in danger.
Be aware that:
- Services, utilities, and businesses that you rely on daily may be unavailable or shut down;
- Evacuation routes can change or become impassible;
- Emergency medical services may not be able to reach an Evacuation Order Area because of a risk to their own safety or access is blocked;
- Friends and family will not be allowed to temporarily access the Evacuation Order to re-supply you if you stay.
Emergency Support Services (ESS) Information:
If you are on Evacuation Order, go to ess.gov.bc.ca to create a profile and register with ESS or visit one of two ESS sites in Castlegar or Kaslo (see operating hours below). When registering for ESS online, it is beneficial to also register for the BC Services Card account, which can be done online or with an app. This account allows you to verify your identify and can streamline services. Once the BC Services Card account is linked to your ESS profile, this enables the option of e-transfer payments to be made to you, if you are eligible and have a bank that accepts e-transfers. To learn more about the BC Services Card app, visit id.gov.bc.ca/account/. If you require assistance with online registration or renewal of ESS support, please call ESS at 1.800.387.4258.
ONLY THOSE RESIDENTS ON EVACUATION ORDER ARE ELIGIBLE FOR ESS
If you are on Evacuation Alert and voluntarily evacuate, you will not receive support at an ESS location. However, you can be proactive and create a profile online in case your Evacuation Alert escalates to an Evacuation Order.
Residents currently on ESS are reminded, whether they registered online or in person, they need to renew their ESS before it expires. Only support for food and accommodation can be renewed. Incidentals and clothing are a one time support provided per evacuee per event.
Current ESS locations for residents on Evacuation Order are:
Selkirk College Castlegar Campus, 301 Frank Beinder Way
The reception centre hours are:
August 4 – CLOSED
August 5 – CLOSED
August 6 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
* These hours are subject to change with the dynamic wildfire situation.
Kaslo Royal Canadian Legion, 403 5th St.
The reception centre hours are:
August 4 – CLOSED
August 5 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
August 6 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
* These hours are subject to change with the dynamic wildfire situation.
Temporary Access Permit (TAP)
Temporary Access Permits (TAP) are restricted to the following:
- Critical Infrastructure or utility agencies may require access in order to service (ie. refuel, inspect) or make repairs to affected critical equipment and sites;
- Members of the agriculture sector may need to make essential repairs to fencing, evacuate or check on livestock condition and care as required;
- Community members may request access so they can retrieve important medication, tend to their domestic animals.
Please note – Providing supplies to those remaining in an Evacuation Order does not fall within the criteria of a TAP.
Applicants who have applied for a TAP will be notified whether their application has been approved or denied the evening prior to their requested date of entry by phone and email. If you have applied for a TAP, please anticipate receiving a phone call or email from the RDCK EOC.
Temporary Access Permit Application
Temporary Access Permit Guidelines
Slocan Lake Fires Complex
Reminder to residents that have remained in the Evacuation Order area – do not enter active work zones where BCWS crews are using heavy equipment and building guards and control lines. Stay safe and remain on your property. Do not wander the Evacuation Order area as this puts yourself and BCWS crews safety at risk.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) has closed 35 km of Highway 6 (1 km south of Silverton to 11 km south of Slocan) to both North and Southbound traffic due to the Slocan Lake Fires Complex. Click here for Highway closure details. Area Restriction details: Slocan Lake Complex Area Restriction.
Aylwin Creek wildfire, N51065
On the recommendation of the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has issued an Evacuation Order due to this fire. Order details:
- July 30 Order downgraded to an Alert for Village of Silverton and 17 properties within Electoral Area H
- July 24 Order details
- July 23 Order details
- July 20 Order details
The Aylwin Creek and Komonko Creek wildfires have merged at Enterprise Creek. As of August 3, information for both fires is combined and all updates will be provided under the Komonko Creek wildfire (N51210).
Komonko Creek wildfire, N51210
Komonko Creek wildfire BCWS incident details page
Nemo Creek wildfire, N51103
On the recommendation of the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has issued an Evacuation Order due to this fire. Order details:
Mulvey Creek, N51117
On the recommendation of the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has issued an Evacuation Order due to this fire. Order details:
Ponderosa wildfire, N51069
On the recommendation of the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has issued Evacuation Alerts due to this fire. Alert details:
- July 28 Order details.
- July 23 Alert details.
- July 21 Alert details
- Ponderosa wildfire BCWS incident details page
Wilson Creek, N51614
The Wilson Creek wildfire has been categorized as under control. As a result the Evacuation Order and Alert due to the wildfire have been rescinded, specifically for the Village of New Denver north to the community of Rosebery. Please click for:
North Kootenay Lake fires
Area Restriction details: Mt Lavina Area Restriction
Argenta Creek, N71058
On the recommendation of the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has issued an Evacuation Order due to this fire. Please click for:
Area Restriction details for Argenta Creek area
Lower Meadow Mountain N71101
Lower Meadow Mountain BCWS incident details page
Glacier Creek, N71098
On the recommendation of the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has issued an Evacuation Order due to this fire. Please click for:
On July 27 BCWS merged the Glacier Creek wildfire information with the Argenta Creek wildfire.
- Historical N71098 wildfire BCWS incident details page
- Current Argenta Creek N71058 wildfire BCWS incident details page
Howser Ridge 3, N71144
On the recommendation of the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) has issued an Evacuation Alert due to this fire. Alert details:
Area restriction details for Howser Ridge 3
General Information
For more information on the wildfires refer to BCWS website, BCWS Facebook and BCWS X.
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