Village of Silverton evacuated due to Aylwin Creek wildfire

The entire Village of Silverton, which is located by Slocan Lake, has been evacuated due to the Aylwin Creek wildfire.

The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) issued the order yesterday evening, on the recommendation of the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).

According to the latest update, the fire is now 400 hectares in size and is burning out of control.

RDCK said that the entire village, with a population of around 195, as well as 17 surrounding addresses have been told to leave. This order expands on the existing order for areas south of the village in the Red Mountain Road area down to the Slocan Lookout.

Highway 6 also remains closed in both directions today between 2nd Street and Springer Creek Road due to wildfire activity.

Aylwin Creek was discovered on July 18, 2024 and is suspected to be lighting-caused. It is considered a “wildfire of note” by BCWS. The Komonko Creek fire in the same area is also considered a “wildfire of note.”

BCWS is dealing with multiple wildfires around Slocan Lake in the Central Kootenay region that have prompted evacuation orders and alerts.

On July 23, an incident management team from Australia was deployed to the Arrow Fire Zone and took command of the Slocan Lake complex of wildfires, which includes Aylwin, Komonko, Ponderosa, Mulvey Creek and other wildfires in the area.

Evacuees from Silverton are being told to go to their pre-arranged emergency locations, and register for Emergency Support Services (ESS) in person at the Nakusp & District Community Complex. You can also register online at https://ess.gov.bc.ca or by calling 1-800-387-4258.

For further assistance you can call the RDCK EOC public inquiry line at 250-352-7701.

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