Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK)
Media Release – August 12, 2024
Click here to view on the RDCK website
Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) has confirmed multiple structure losses along Highway 6 in Electoral Area H due to the Komonko Creek wildfire, as well as on the west side of Slocan Lake in Electoral Area H due to the Nemo Creek wildfire.
The RDCK’s building department and fire services team, with support from BC Wildfire Service, conducted initial assessments called Rapid Damage Assessments (RDA) of the affected areas. Due to the ongoing dangerous conditions in the area, this work was completed over multiple days, when it was deemed safe to do so. Following the completion of the assessments, individual RDA reports and photographs were compiled for each property. The RDCK Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) then began the process of connecting directly with each property owner, to provide the status of their property and to provide owners with the opportunity to ask questions.
The RDCK can confirm the Komonko Creek wildfire (formerly known as the Aylwin Creek wildfire), part of the Slocan Lake Complex, resulted in the loss of primary structures and outbuildings (non-residential structures) on Highway 6 between the southern entrance to Red Mountain Road and north of the Village of Slocan. A summary of the impact is as follows:
- Three single family dwellings and 11 outbuildings experienced total structure loss
- Two single family dwellings and two outbuildings experienced structure damage
The RDCK can confirm the Nemo Creek wildfire, part of the Slocan Lake Complex, also resulted in the loss of structures and outbuildings on the west side of Slocan Lake. A summary of the impact is as follows:
- Two seasonal cabins and two outbuildings experienced total structure loss
- One cabin experienced structure damage
“Our thoughts are with residents who have suffered such great loss due to the Slocan Lake Complex wildfires,” said Walter Popoff, RDCK Electoral Area H Director. “We know residents have been anxiously awaiting news about the status of their properties and appreciate their patience and understanding during these challenging times, as the primary concern remains the safety of first responders and residents.”
The Evacuation Order in relation to the Komonko Creek and Nemo Creek wildfires were downgraded to an Evacuation Alert on Monday, August 12.
Information regarding Evacuation Alerts and Orders, as well as access to various resources, including the RDCK’s re-entry guide is available on the RDCK website.
“The RDCK remains committed to supporting property owners throughout this challenging period and will continue to provide updates and resources as they become available,” said Popoff.
Incorporated in 1965, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is a local government that serves 60,000 residents in 11 electoral areas and nine member municipalities. The RDCK provides more than 160 services, including community facilities, fire protection and emergency services, grants, planning and land use, regional parks, resource recovery and handling, transit, water services and much more. For more information about the RDCK, visit www.rdck.ca.
