Six wildfires burning around Slocan Lake in the Central Kootenay region have resulted in several evacuation orders and alerts.
Two of those wildfires, Komonko Creek and Aylwin Creek, are considered wildfires of note, meaning they are highly visible or pose a potential threat to public safety.
On Monday, the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) said the fires were 534 and 121 hectares (ha) in size, respectively.
As of Tuesday afternoon, those sizes have not changed.
The Aylwin Creek has prompted an expanded evacuation order to include an additional 17 parcels. That brings the total number of properties on evacuation order to 125.
“Heavy smoke continues to impact visibility at times grounding aviation resources. The smoke also reduces solar intensity which keeps fire activity from increasing,” says the BCWS about Aylwin Creek.
“Crews continue to construct a hand guard with the assistance of heavy equipment, and are also monitoring the fire's proximity to properties and maintaining fire line security.”
Another three properties located around the Village of Silverton were placed on evacuation alert due to this fire, which brings the total up to 17 properties.
The BCWS is also responding to the 823-ha Nemo Creek wildfire on the west banks of Slocan lake across from the town of Silverton. Evacuation orders for 21 parcels remain in place.
These wildfires forced the closure of Highway 6, which remains closed.
⛔ REMINDER - #BCHwy6 is closed in both directions between 2nd St and Memphis Creek due to a wildfire.
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) July 23, 2024
Local detours in place. Drive with caution in the area and expect major delays. #SilvertonBC #NewDenver
ℹ️ More info:https://t.co/WQLZrCctMP pic.twitter.com/q9ljovOvcU
On July 22, an incident management team took over the response to what is called the Slocan Lake Complex of wildfires. They are supported by two unit crews, four single resources, three helicopters and 14 pieces of heavy equipment.
On the south end of Slocan Lake, a quartet of wildfires have prompted evacuation alerts and orders near the Village of Slocan.
That includes wildfire N51345 (1.1 ha), wildfire N51229 (130 ha), the Ponderosa FSR fire (200 ha) and the Mulvey Creek fire (210 ha)
Evacuation orders are in place for 16 properties due to the Mulvey Creek wildfire while an expanded alert was issued Tuesday for the entire Village of Slocan and 150 parcels in electoral area H.
Different levels of unit crews, air resources and heavy equipment have been assigned to this fire.
Residents in the area can keep an eye on the Regional District of Central Kootenay website and Facebook for the most up-to-date information.
