As fires threaten our area, there are a variety of useful sources of local and regional information. This page is intended to provide links to helpful information about wildfires, what you can do, and how to stay up-to-date.

This page was last updated on August 14, 2024 at 3:15 p.m.

Current Information

Highway 6 is now open south of Silverton, allowing users to travel between Playmor Junction and New Denver. Be sure to follow all traffic signs and check DriveBC for updates.

For evacuation order and notices, visit the Regional District of Central Kootenay’s website at www.rdck.bc.ca. The RDCK Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) provided an Information Bulletins on August 12, 2024 and August 13, 2024 summarizing the wildfire situation, including road closures, evacuation notices, information about returning home after an evacuation order, and more. Continue to check the RDCK information page HERE for future bulletins.

There have recently been several Evacuation ORDERs and Evacuation ALERTs for area residents. The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is your source of current information for these evacuations. The RDCK has provided an information page about these fires and the evacuations HERE. Also on that RDCK page you will find a link to MAPS outlining current Evacuation Orders and Alerts.

For those returning to properties after an Evacuation Order, please be sure to review the RDCK Emergency Operations guide to “Returning Home After An Evacuation,” available HERE.

RDCK EOC is also offering Resiliency Centres in Silverton, Slocan, and Argenta. The Silverton Resiliency Centre will be located at the Silverton Memorial Hall (203 Lake Avenue), open August 13, 15, 16, 17 from 10AM – 2PM. Additional information is available HERE.

Some information and links follow:

• As of 9:00 a.m. on Monday, August 12, the Evacuation ORDER for RDCK Area H from the South End toward Slocan, through Enterprise Creek area, has been downgraded to an Evacuation ALERT. View a map of the area downgraded to an Evacuation ALERT HERE, and full information on the RDCK website HERE. RDCK has shared a Media Release about Structure Loss that involves properties in this area – it can be viewed on their website HERE.
  
• As of 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 10, the Evacuation ORDER for RDCK Area H from the South End of Red Mountain Road to Silverton has been downgraded to an Evacuation ALERT. View a map of the area downgraded to an Evacuation ALERT HERE, and full information on the RDCK website HERE.
  
• There are currently no notices for the Village of Silverton and RDCK Area H between New Denver and Silverton. The Evacuation ORDER for this area, that went into effect at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24 was downgraded to an ALERT at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30 (details HERE) and the Evacuation ALERT was rescinded on Friday, August 9, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. (details HERE). Please visit the RDCK notice pages for lists identifying the properties affected.
  
• There are currently no notices for the area north of New Denver, between New Denver and Rosebery. The Evacuation ORDER in the area surrounding the Wilson Creek wildfire, that went into effect at 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 25, and the Evacuation ALERT that went into effect at 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, July 25, have been rescinded. HERE is a link to the website providing information, including the notice and list of properties affected. This fire was identified as “Under Control” as of 10:44 a.m. on Tuesday, July 30. Crews continue to monitor the situation.
  
• There are currently no notices for the Village of New Denver. The Evacuation Alert that went into effect at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 25 was rescinded at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30. HERE is a link to the website that provides information about rescinding the alert, including the notice and list of properties affected.
  
• As of 8:00 a.m. on Monday, August 12, the Evacuation ORDER for the Village of Slocan and surrounding area has been downgraded to an Evacuation ALERT. For details, including a map of the evacuation alert area, visit the RDCK Emergency Information Page HERE. This is a result of the surrounding fires within the Slocan Fire Complex, particularly the Ponderosa Wildfire & Mulvey Creek Wildfire.
  
• The Evacuation ORDER for the 20 properties surrounding the Nemo Creek Fire(s) on the west side of Slocan Lake has been downgraded to an Evacuation ALERT. Details are HERE. Original Evacuation Order details are on the RDCK website HERE. RDCK has shared a Media Release about Structure Loss that involves properties in this area – it can be viewed on their website HERE. DO NOT ENTER VALHALLA PROVINCIAL PARK. The park is currently closed due to multiple wildfires in the area. It is recommended that you not access Wragge Beach Recreation site during the current wildfire situation.

For details about evacuation 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). Evacuees are directed to register for Emergency Support Services (ESS) in person OR register online at https://ess.gov.bc.ca or by calling 1-800-387-4258. Please scroll down on this page for additional details about ESS and current offerings, or visit https://newdenver.ca/emergency-support-services/.

The BC Wildfire Service provides regular Bulletins to keep the public up-to-date with respect to current wildfires. Below are links to bulletins relating to the Slocan Lake Complex of Wildfires between July 25 & August 13, 2024.

For ongoing updates, please visit the incident pages provided by the BC Wildfire Service (links below, under the name of local wildfires) under the “Resource” tab.

• August 13 Slocan Lake Complex Wildfire Update
• August 12 Slocan Lake Complex Wildfire Update
• August 11 Slocan Lake Complex Wildfire Update
• August 10 Slocan Lake Complex Wildfire Update
• August 9 Slocan Lake Complex Wildfire Update
• August 9 – BC Wildfire Service Reference Provided: Phos-Chek LC 95A Long Term Retardant Info Sheet
• August 8 Slocan Lake Complex Wildfire Update
• August 7 Slocan Lake Complex Wildfire Update
• Video uploaded August 6 providing an aerial overview of all fires within the Slocan Complex
• August 6 Slocan Lake Complex Wildfire Update
• August 5 Slocan Lake Complex Wildfire Update
• August 4 Slocan Lake Complex Wildfire Update
• August 3 Slocan Lake Complex Wildfire Update
• August 2 Slocan Lake Complex Wildfire Update
• August 1 Slocan Lake Complex Wildfire Update
• July 31 Slocan Lake Complex Wildfire Update
• July 30 Slocan Lake Complex Wildfire Update
• July 29 Slocan Lake Complex Wildfire Update
• July 27 Slocan Lake Complex Wildfire Update
• July 26 Slocan Lake Complex Wildfire Update
• July 25 Slocan Lake Complex Wildfire Update

You can visit the BC Wildfire Service website HERE, for additional information, including a map of fires around the province, HERE. The Wildfire Service provides a dedicated webpage for each wildfire. Some of the wildfires most relevant to New Denver & Area include:

• Komonko Creek Wildfire
• Aylwin Creek Wildfire – as of August 3, 2024, the Aylwin Creek Wildfire has been combined with the Komonko Creek Wildfire as far as BC Wildfire Service updates. This link will now take you directly to the Komonko Creek Wildfire page, because includes the fire that was previously the Aylwin Creek Wildfire.
• Wilson Creek Wildfire – as of 10:44 a.m. on Tuesday, July 30, the Wilson Creek Wildfire is listed as “Under Control.”
• Nemo Creek Wildfire
• Mulvey Creek Wildfire
• Ponderosa FSR Wildfire

Visit the Wildfire BC Map Online for an overview of current wildfires around the province and their status. Please note that there is a mapping area, and community names north of New Denver are listed incorrectly; please disregard this oversight.

Slocan Community Health Centre Pavilion

Interior Health relocated residents of the New Denver Pavilion, as a precautionary measure when the Wildfire Evacuation Alert went into effect for the Village of New Denver. View their wildfire response notice online HERE.

Voyent Alert

It is recommended that all area residents register to receive emergency updates through the Voyent Alert program, RDCK’s Emergency Notifications System. This program allows the RDCK to send critical information out to residents and visitors in the event of an emergency. This system is used to send out evacuation notices, shelter in place notices, or other notices that require action.

Voyant Alert notifications can be sent through a cell phone app, text messages, landline calls, or emails. Registration information is available on the RDCK website HERE, or you are welcome to attend the Village office in-person for assistance registering.

Road Closures

Road closures, conditions, detours and more will be posted on DriveBC. Check for current highway conditions and events HERE.

As of Monday, August 12, Highway 6, south of New Denver, is OPEN to traffic. This route will remain single-lane alternating, with work zones to be aware of, until at least Friday, August 16. Details are posted on DriveBC HERE.

Highway 6 north of New Denver remains open to the public. Please be sure to check DriveBC for updates about events and road closures, as there have been recent wildfire activity in this area.

Air Quality

There is a PurpleAir, air quality sensor located in downtown New Denver that provides regular updates to the PurpleAir Map online with respect to outdoor air quality at that location. The PurpleAir Map is a real-time, free air quality map that you can use to view the air quality of specific areas worldwide. The data collected comes from PurpleAir air quality monitors and updates every two minutes.

Below is a table outlining how to interpret the Air Quality Index used by PurpleAir – it is the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). Colours and numbers displayed on the PurpleAir Map correspond to the details in the image below. The PurpleAir sensor in New Denver has regularly been Maroon since Wednesday, July 25, which indicates a health warning of emergency conditions and that everyone is more than likely to be affected by the hazardous conditions.

Avoid strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also avoid outdoor physical exertion.

Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.

For information about the Canadian Air Quality Health Index, visit the Government of Canada’s website HERE. Aside from the PurpleAir station, there is no Air Quality Health Index station in New Denver to provide updates on the BC Air Quality Health Index Map.

FireSmoke Canada provides information about wildland fire weather and smoke. From their website, HERE, you can access the BlueSky Canada smoke forecasts, fire weather forecasts, fire information, and the BlueSky Playground. The Weather Forecast Research Team at the University of British Columbia produces these research forecasts with support from multiple agencies.

Support Services, Safe Places & Evacuations

RDCK Emergency Operations

You can visit the RDCK (Regional District of Central Kootenay) Emergency Information page online HERE for instructions on what to do and where to go if you are evacuated. You can also call the RDCK EOC pubic inquiry line at 250.352.7701.

RDCK sets-up Receiving Centres for evacuees for in-person assistance when new Evacuation Orders are issued.

As of August 13, most of the Evacuation Orders have been lifted in our region, therefore Reception Centres will remain closed (after August 13). This is subject to change should the wildfire situation change.

If you are being evacuated but do not have a pre-arranged location and require support, please report to the Reception Centre listed in the Evacuation Order that applies to you. As soon as the Village of New Denver receives updates, they will be provided (you are welcome to call the Village office at 250-358-2316).

Temporary Access Permits (Into Evacuated Areas)

If you have been evacuated and want access to your property during the evacuation, you will need to apply for a Temporary Access Permit. This application is available through the RDCK online HERE and the guide is available HERE.

Temporary Access Permits (TAP) are restricted to the following:

• Community members may request access so they can retrieve important supplies (ex. Medications, business items), or tend to their domestic animals;
  
• Critical Infrastructure or utility agencies may require access in order to service (i.e. refuel, inspect) or make repairs to affected critical equipment and sites; and
  
• Members of the agriculture sector or residents that may need to make essential repairs to fencing, feed, or evacuate livestock, or tend to essential crops.

Province of BC Emergency Support Services

Emergency financial support for those under an Evacuation Order is offered through BC’s Emergency Support Services (ESS). The Province of BC’s Emergency Support Services provides short-term basic support to people impacted by disasters.

Information about Support Services is available online HERE, or you can call 1-800-387-4258.

Even if you are not currently under an evacuation order or notice, please consider creating a profile with ESS ahead of an evacuation alert or order, to make it easier to access Emergency Support Services during an emergency.

Before you create a profile online with ESS (steps listed below), it is recommended that you have a verified BC Service Account. If you don’t have a BC Services Card Account, you can still self-register as an evacuee. You may be eligible to receive supports, but not via e-Transfer.

You will be directed to create a BC Services Card account when you choose to create a profile with ESS (steps below), or for more information about BC Services Card Accounts visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/government-id/bcservicescardapp. Accessibility details are available HERE. If you or someone you know cannot complete this process online, you can contact ESS by phone at 1-800-387-4258. Alternatively, if there is a Reception Centre set-up to receive evacuees, the registration can be done in-person at the centre.

• Step 1: Visit ess.gov.bc.ca
• Step 2: Click ‘Create Profile’
• Step 3: Follow the BC Services Card login and registration instructions

As outlined on BC’s ESS website, it is recommended that you contact your insurance provider, as most home and tenant’s insurance providers cover living expenses during evacuations.

Sites Accepting Evacuees

Centennial Park

As long as there are not evacuation orders or alerts in place for the Village of New Denver, area evacuees can stay in Centennial Park / Campground. Please see the attendants or call 250-358-2361. Showers, a bottle filling station, and a sani-dump are also available. Please use the 3rd Avenue entrance, as the wildfire service and other Emergency Services are using the 1st Avenue access.

Mt. Abriel Recreation Site

Mt. Abriel Recreation Site, located approximately 8pm north of Nakusp on Highway 23, is offering free camping to anyone evacuated due to the wildfires this season. View their poster online HERE.

Hills Community Hall

The Hall is open and providing a safe place for evacuees, or those wanting to leave an Evacuation Alert area early.

Fireweed Hub

The Fireweed Hub, located at 305 6th Avenue, New Denver (downtown next to the Pharmacy) is opening its doors for anyone who needs a safe place to sit down, breathe, make plans, phone loved ones, etc.

Knox Hall Cooling Station

The Village of New Denver has been opening the Knox Hall as a cooling station and safe place for people to gather. As of Tuesday, July 25, the Knox Hall is NOT currently open to receive community members.

Tech Centre Support

This is not currently being offered – updates will be shared here if it is available again. If you do need assistance with ESS applications, you are welcome to contact or stop by the Village Office (Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm). Previously: On July 24, 25, 26, a group of volunteers arranged to open the technology centre in the reading centre (below the Knox Hall @ 521 6th Ave, accessed from Kootenay Street) from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. View their poster online HERE.

N95 Masks Available

The Village of New Denver has N95 masks available for those in need. https://newdenver.ca/n95-masks/.

Canada Post Office New Denver

The Post Office in New Denver is currently open and operating during regular weekday hours (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.). Be sure to check their window for occasional Saturday closures.

If an area served by the New Denver Post Office is under an Evacuation Order, mail will be held longer than usual. If you cannot visit the Post Office in person to collect your items but want to arrange for someone else to pick them up for you, please call the Post Office ahead at 250-358-2611 to make arrangements. If you have left the area as a result of the evacuation order and cannot have someone pick your mail up, your mail can be forwarded to your current location – again, please call the Post Office at 250-358-2216.

Community Futures Wildfire Supports for Businesses

For information about how the Community Futures of Central Kootenay is supporting businesses impacted by wildfires, view their email update HERE.

Reporting Wildfires

If you see a new wildfire start. Please be sure to report it. To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone. For more information and additional ways to report wildfires, visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/public-safety/fire-safety/fire-reporting.

If you are in an emergency situation (ex. there is a fire on your property or near a building, someone is hurt, etc.), call 911 immediately.

Wildfire Safety and Preparation

Keep all boats well away from areas used by emergency operations. Slocan Lake is regularly used by the BC Wildfire Service to collect water for fire suppression. Under B.C.’s Wildfire Act, a boater getting in the way of firefighting aircraft could face a violation ticket fine of $1,150 or an administrative penalty of up to $100,000. The person could also be charged with an offence under the Wildfire Act, which carries a maximum fine of $100,000.

You can find a “Wildfire Evacuation Checklist” provided by SIFCo HERE.

The Canadian Red Cross provides an Emergency Kit List online HERE. They also provide a website called “Wildfires: Before, During, and After” with information about how to prepare for an evacuation, what to do if you receive an evacuation alert or order, and returning to your property after a wildfire evacuation.

FireSmartBC and PreparedBC offer an Emergency Wildfire Preparedness Checklist online HERE.

The Province of BC’s Public Emergency Preparation and Recovery page online offers helpful information about knowing hazards, making plans, preparing for evacuations, and more.

For good measure, HERE is one more wildfire evacuation checklist, provided by the University of Nevada.

Technical Safety BC offers information about Wildfire Safety on their website, HERE.

Kootenay Rockies Tourism offers a “know before you go” website with links to current orders, advisories, and valuable resources. Find this page HERE.

Water Conservation

Water conservation is essential during wildfire events. In order for the fire department to have access to water to fight fires, the Village’s reservoir needs to be as close to full as possible at all times. Please follow all current water restrictions, which may change at any time. Notices will be provided on the Village’s website and on posters around town.

FireSmart

It’s always a good idea to do as much as you can to reduce the risk of a fire spreading on your property. You can learn more about FireSmart and the Slocan Valley Wildfire Resiliency Program on the Village’s webpage www.newdenver.ca/resources/firesmart-and-wildfire-resiliency/.

Below is FireSmart BC’s ‘Tips To FireSmart Your Home Infographic‘ outlining some helpful ways to decrease the risk of wildfire damaging your home. These actions can be taken whether or not a Development Permit is required.