It has been a busy weekend for emergency services battling wildfires across the Kootenays.
The entire village of Silverton and its surroundings are on an evacuation alert, that includes 200 properties.
Meanwhile, 129 properties south of Silverton village are on an evacuation order due to the Aylwin Fire.
Across the Slocan Lake, the Nemo Fire has 21 properties on an evacuation alert.
Crews are battling poor visibility due to the smoke but remain vigilant on the task at hand.
“One of the challenges yesterday (Saturday, July 20) is that it was difficult for them to see because there was a lot of smoke, but I believe there may have been two outbuildings that were lost that aren’t residences and beyond that there have been no losses reported.” Said Dan Seguin, Emergency Operations Centre Director for the Regional District of Central Kootenay.
Those affected by the fires are invited to a public information session tonight, 6pm at the Lucerne Elementary Secondary School in New Denver, to have their questions and concerns answered by BC Wildfire Services.
“BC Wildfire Service will be able to provide much more detailed information about the fires that are affecting residents around Silverton, and to provide information on their strategies and tactics and what they’re kind of foreseeing as best they can in the coming days, and to be able to especially answer any questions or concerns that the residents have.” said Seguin.
If you are unable to attend in person, you can join online via the RDCK website.
Everyone’s safety
Public safety remains the RDCK’s number one priority and they are encouraging everyone to remain clear of any affected fire areas.
And for those on the lake to be mindful of aircraft filling up.
“The other really important thing is if you do have a boat, it’s really important to stay clear of watercraft, particularly if they’re working off the lake.” Said Seguin.
“If we have boats or individuals that are in fire affected areas, it really hampers any firefighting activities.”
And finally, be prepared.
“It’s that time of year where the situation is really dynamic when it comes to fires. So, we encourage people to have their grab and go bag ready and their family plan ready and have that discussion and know what you’re going to do if ever there was a wildfire, if ever you were on evacuation alert and required to leave at a moment’s notice.” said Seguin.
“And the other piece that people can do is fire smarting around their house to ensure that they can minimize the potential impact of a wildfire if it were to kick up near their home.”
Evacuation Order location
The Kaslo Arena has been set up at the recession centre where people on an evacuation order can go and register, or self-register online at the RDCK website.
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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