Information Bulletin - August 7, 2024

Emergency Operations Centre
5:30 PM PST

*There are no new updates in regards to Evacuation Alerts or Orders

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 96 wildfires in the Southeast Fire Centre, with 3 wildfires of note, and 71 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.

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 (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 8 – 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 8 – 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 8 – 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.

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

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.

The Slocan Lake Complex includes the Aylwin Creek wildfire, 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.

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

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:

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:

Lavina Complex

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

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 downgraded a portion of the Evacuation Order area to an Evacuation Alert. 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.

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.

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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The content on this page was last updated August 7 2024 at 10:39 AM