Evacuation Alert issued due to Ponderosa wildfire

July 21, 2024

Nelson, BC: On the recommendation of the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has issued an Evacuation Alert for 190 properties east of the Village of Slocan and south beyond Lemon Creek in Electoral Area H due to the Ponderosa wildfire (N51069). The wildfire was initially discovered on July 18. The suspected cause of the fire is a lightning strike and has been categorized as out of control.

Evacuation Alert property list [PDF - 909 KB]
Evacuation Alert Map [PDF - 1 MB]

The Ponderosa wildfire is part of the Slocan Lake Fire Complex. A complex is created when multiple wildfires are managed by a single Incident Management Team, and resources and equipment are shared between all incidents in the complex.

At this time residents or visitors within the area are not required to evacuate, however the RDCK advises people to remain vigilant and be prepared to leave the area at a moment’s notice.

  • Sign up to the RDCK Emergency Notification System. Go to www.rdck.ca/notification
  • Locate all family members and designate a meeting area outside the evacuation area, should an Evacuation Order be called while separated.
  • Pack a grab and go bag and include essential items such as government-issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (e.g. insurance, credit, and mortgage information), immediate care needs for dependents and, if time and space permits, keepsakes for quick departure.
  • Register online with Emergency Support Services https://ess.gov.bc.ca. Create a profile in the event you are put on Evacuation Order.
  • Prepare to move disabled persons, children and/or neighbours, if assistance is needed.
  • Prepare to take pets with you and move livestock to a safe area (if possible). Prepare leashes, pet carriers and food.
  • Arrange transportation for all your household members. Fill the gas tanks of personal vehicles.  If transportation assistance is needed, call 250.352.7701 or 1.866.522.7701 (toll free).
  • Arrange accommodation for all members of the residence, if possible. In the event of an Evacuation Order, Reception Centres will be opened if required.

Updates or changes to the Evacuation Alert will be provided via the RDCK website, Facebook, and  X  as more information becomes available. For details about evacuation and emergency preparedness, along with other resources, please visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo. The RDCK EOC public inquiry line is 250.352.7701 or 1.866.522.7701 (toll free).

For up to date information on current wildfire activity, conditions and prohibitions, call 1.888.336.7378 or visit www.bcwildfire.ca.

For more information about evacuations and emergency preparedness, along with other resources:

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

 

The content on this page was last updated July 21 2024 at 8:00 AM

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