West Kootenay fire update July 29

There are currently 83 wildfires in the Southeast Fire Centre, with 4 wildfires of note, and 64 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.

Currently in the RDCK, there are 1,025 properties + 285 Parcel Identifiers (PIDs) on Evacuation Order and 589 properties + 124 PIDs on Evacuation Alert.

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.

Fires include:
Aylwin Creek Wilfire
Komonko Creek Wildfire
Nemo Creek Wildfire
Mulvey Creek Wildfire
Ponderosa Wildfire
Wilson Creek Wildfire

North Kootenay Lake fires include:

Argenta Creek Wildfire
Lower Meadow Mountain
Glacier Creek
Howser Ridge 3, N71144

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 Nakusp.

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.

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

Selkirk College Castlegar Campus
301 Frank Beinder Way
The reception centre hours are:
July 29 – 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
July 30 – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
* These hours are subject to change with the dynamic wildfire situation.

Kaslo Royal Canadian Legion
403 5th Street
The reception centre hours are:
July 29 – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
July 30 – 10:00am to 2:00 pm
* These hours are subject to change with the dynamic wildfire situation.

Nakusp & District Community Complex
200 8 Ave NW
The reception centre hours are:
July 29 – 12:00 am to 2:00 pm
July 30 – 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 (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.

Where to find information 

The BC Wildfire Service is the primary source of information for all wildfire activity. 

Regional District Central Kootenay (RDCK) is the primary source of information for evacuation orders and evacuation alerts. 

Drive BC for all information on roads and road closures. 

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