Pair of wildfires close Hwy 6 south of Nakusp

Editor'sNote: Find the latest information on the Komonko Creek and Aylwin Creek wildfires as well as evacuation orders from July 23 at this link.

Two wildfires of note burning in the west Kootenay region have caused the closure of a local highway and triggered several evacuation orders and alerts.

The BC Wildfire Service says the Komonko Creek wildfire is estimated at 534 hectares while the Aylwin Creek wildfire is estimated at 121 hectares.

They are the two wildfires of note burning in the Southeast Fire Centre.

Both fires are burning on either side of Hwy 6 north of Nelson.

An evacuation order issued on July 20 due to the Aylwin Creek wildfire remains in place and covers 107 properties.

The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) says the evacuation alert for the entire Village of Silverton and 14 surrounding properties, which was issued July 20, remains in place.

DriveBC says the highway is closed in both directions with local detours in place.

Motorists are advised to drive with caution in the area and expect major delays.

⛔️REMINDER - #BCHwy6 The highway is closed in both directions between 2nd St and Memphis Creek due to a wildfire. Local detours in place. Drive with caution in the area and expect major delays. #SilvertonBC #NewDenver

ℹ️For more info:https://t.co/WQLZrCd1Cn pic.twitter.com/y32nsThHXz

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) July 22, 2024

Both fires were discovered late last week and are believed to have been caused by lightning.

According to the BCWS’s update, provided late Sunday night, the two wildfires have been displaying “mostly rank two” behaviour, which means a surface fire with visible flame and a slow rate of speed.

There are two unit crews and response officers responding to both fires with help from air tankers, helicopters and structure protection personnel.

The BCWS is responding to at least 18 wildfires in this area between the Columbia River and Slocan Lake.

That includes the 820-hectare Nemo Creek wildfire burning on the western banks of Slocan Lake, across from the Village of Silverton.

The RDCK has also issued evacuation orders for 21 waterfront parcels and a small portion of the Valhalla Provincial Park and evacuation alerts for properties in the area as well.