Information Bulletin - August 10, 2024

August 10, 2024

Emergency Operations Centre
4:00 PM PST 

*Updates include a downgrading of the Evacuation Order to an Evacuation Alert due to the Komonko Creek wildfire including all properties between the southern entrance to Red Mountain Road and the Village of Silverton in Electoral Area H

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 104 wildfires in the Southeast Fire Centre, with 3 wildfires of note, and 65 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.

Road Closures

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) has CLOSED Highway 6 between the southern entrance of Red Mountain Road to the Lemon Creek Bridge to both North and Southbound traffic due to the Slocan Lake Complex. Click here for Highway closure details.

The Duncan FSR and Glacier Creek FSR on the west side of Duncan Lake remains on Evacuation Order and CLOSED. Both roads are blocked by debris from the wildfire. As a result, Duncan Island residents, can only access their homes by boat.

Returning Home After an Evacuation Order

Residents that have been downgraded to an Evacuation Alert are advised there may be unseen dangers when returning to their homes and properties. The RDCK advises all residents to read through the information in this re-entry document on what to do when you return home after a wildfire.

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 New Denver (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. If you do not renew, your ESS supports will stop. 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 11 – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
* These hours are subject to change with the dynamic wildfire situation.

Knox Hall, 521 6th Ave, New Denver

The reception centre hours are:
August 11 - CLOSED
* 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 (i.e. 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.

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 email. If you have applied for a TAP, please anticipate receiving an email from the RDCK EOC.

Temporary Access Permit Application
Temporary Access Permit Guidelines

Slocan Lake Complex wildfire

The Slocan Lake Complex includes the Komonko Creek wildfire, Mulvey Creek wildfire, Nemo Creek wildfire, and Ponderosa wildfire. 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.

As of August 3, the Aylwin Creek and Komonko Creek wildfires merged at Enterprise Creek and moving forward are referred under the Komonko Creek wildfire.

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.

Area Restriction details: Slocan Lake Complex Area Restriction.

Residents are encouraged to contact the BCWS Information Officer with any questions regarding the Slocan Lake Complex wildfire: BCWS.Slocan.Information@gov.bc.ca

Komonko Creek wildfire, N51210 (merged with Aylwin Creek wildfire N51065)

On the recommendation of the BCWS the RDCK EOC has downgraded the Evacuation Order to an Evacuation Alert for properties from the southern entrance of Red Mountain Road to the Village of Silverton in Electoral Area H. Please click for more details:

Nemo Creek wildfire, N51103

On the recommendation of the BCWS the RDCK EOC has issued an Evacuation Order due to this fire. Order details:

Mulvey Creek wildfire, N51117

On the recommendation of the BCWS the RDCK EOC has issued an Evacuation Order due to this fire. Order details:

Ponderosa wildfire, N51069

On the recommendation of the BCWS the RDCK EOC has downgraded a portion of the Evacuation Order to an Evacuation Alert. Please click for:

Lavina Complex

The Lavina Complex includes the Argenta Creek wildfire, Lower Meadow Mountain wildfire, and Howser Ridge 3 wildfire.

Argenta Creek wildfire, N71058 (merged with Glacier Creek wildfire, N71098)

On the recommendation of the BCWS the RDCK EOC has downgraded the Evacuation Order to an Evacuation Alert for the community Argenta. Just one home on Glacier Creek Road and the Glacier Creek Regional Park remain on Evacuation Order. Please click for:

On July 27 BCWS merged the Glacier Creek wildfire information with the Argenta Creek wildfire.

Area Restriction details for Argenta Creek area

Howser Ridge 3, N71144

On the recommendation of the BCWS the RDCK 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.

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.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

The content on this page was last updated August 10 2024 at 8:56 AM

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