Regional District of Central Kootenay

08/27/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/28/2024 04:42

Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert rescinded for Mulvey Creek wildfire

Nelson, BC: On the recommendation of the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has rescinded the Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert for residents impacted by the Mulvey Creek wildfire, part of the Slocan Lake Complex. The rescinded Evacuation Order and Alert area includes 37 addresses and 41 parcel identifiers on the west side of Slocan Lake in Electoral Area H, as well as residents on the west side of Slocan West Road as it turns into Little Slocan Road. There are no Evacuation Order or Alerts remaining for the Slocan Lake Complex wildfires.

The first Evacuation Order for the Mulvey Creek wildfire was issued on July 21 with subsequent orders expanding the evacuation area. On August 12, 21, and 23 portions of the Evacuation Order area was downgraded to Evacuation Alerts.

Residents that have been taken off Evacuation Order are returning to a community where the surrounding area was affected by a wildfire. Unseen dangers may linger when returning to their homes and properties, ranging from gas leaks and weakened foundations to danger trees, and exposed wires and power lines. Using caution can help reduce potential injuries. When in doubt, consult an expert for help.

Burned forests have significant hazards and can remain dangerous for years. The fire has left behind danger trees - those are trees which can fall without warning even without a wind, due to roots being burned out. Ash pits can also pose a serious threat. Ash pits are holes full of hot ashes created by burned trees and stumps. You can be seriously injured by falling into ash pits. If you find an ash pit, mark it for safety and warn your family and neighbours to keep clear of the marked area.

The Slocan Lake Complex includes the Komonko Creek wildfire (merged with Aylwin Creek wildfire), Mulvey Creek wildfire, Nemo Creek wildfire, and Ponderosa wildfire. A complex is created when multiple wildfires are managed by a single Incident Management Team, and resources and equipment are shared between all incidents in the complex.

Updates or changes to Evacuation Alerts or Orders will be provided via the RDCK website, Facebook, and X as more information becomes available. For details about evacuations and emergency preparedness, along with other resources, please visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo. The RDCK EOC public inquiry line is 250.352.7701 or 1.866.522.7701 (toll free).

For up to date information on current wildfire activity, conditions and prohibitions, call 1.888.336.7378 or visit www.bcwildfire.ca.

For more information about evacuations and emergency preparedness, along with other resources: