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RDCK EOC updates current wildfire situation in region

Regional District of Central Kootenay
By Regional District of Central Kootenay
July 31st, 2024

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 76 wildfires in the Southeast Fire Centre, with 4 wildfires of note, and 56 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 three ESS sites in Castlegar, Kaslo, or New Denver. If you require assistance with online registration, 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.

Current ESS locations for Slocan Lake Complex wildfires (includes Nemo Creek, Mulvey Creek, Ponderosa, Aylwin Creek, and Komonko Creek), Argenta Creek wildfire and Glacier Creek wildfire:

Knox Hall – New Denver – 521 6th Ave.

The reception centre hours are:
August 1 – 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
* These hours are subject to change with the dynamic wildfire situation.

Selkirk College Castlegar Campus, 301 Frank Beinder Way

The reception centre hours are:
August 1 – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
* These hours are subject to change with the dynamic wildfire situation.

Kaslo Royal Canadian Legion, 403 5th St.

The reception centre hours are:
August 1 – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
* 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.

Temporary Access Permit Application

Temporary Access Permit Guidelines

Slocan Lake Fires Complex

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) has closed 12km of Highway 6 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:

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:

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 and Alert 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:

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 websiteBCWS Facebook and BCWS X.

Visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo for the complete details of all current evacuation orders and alerts. Follow the RDCK on Facebook and X.  Affected residents with any questions can contact the RDCK Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at 250-352-7701.

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