RDCK

Wildfire Information Bulletin – August 12, 2026

Emergency Operations Centre
2:30 PM PST

Currently there are no Evacuation Alerts or Orders in the RDCK.

The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is in regular communication with BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) to monitor the fires within the region. There are currently 46 wildfires in the Southeast Fire Centre and 21 are listed as out of control. This is a dynamic situation that can change hourly, so residents are encouraged to be prepared and follow the BCWS website and the RDCK website for the most accurate and up to date information.

The RDCK rescinded the Evacuation Alert for communities impacted by the Poplar Creek wildfire in Electoral Area D, approximately 60 km north of Kaslo on August 6 and rescinded the Evacuation Alert for one property and homes for the Inonoaklin Creek wildfire, northwest of the Needles Ferry, in Electoral Area K on August 7. Both fires are classified as “Being Held”. For the latest updates on these and other wildfires within the RDCK: BC Wildfire Service.

Area Restrictions

BCWS currently has four area restrictions in place within the RDCK. In the interest of public safety, area restrictions are put into place by BCWS to prohibit access to areas where there are ongoing fire suppression activities. They are established to limit the risk of wildfire occurring or to enforce the continued need to protect the public and emergency service personnel in active wildfire areas. Under an area restriction order, a person must not remain in or enter the restricted area without the prior written authorization of BCWS.

Mount Rollins Area Restriction – issued August 10
Hope Creek Area Restriction – issued August 9
Poplar Creek Area Restriction – issued August 1
Inonoaklin Creek Area Restriction – issued July 28

Given the scope and scale of fires currently burning in B.C., and the elevated danger ratings in many southern regions of the province, the Province is prohibiting off-road vehicles (ORV) on crown land throughout the Southeast Fire Centre. The RDCK is also prohibiting ORV’s on the Nelson Salmo Great Northern Trail and at Glacier Creek Regional Park.

Off-road vehicles prohibited in Southeast Fire Centre by Province – issued August 10
RDCK prohibits off-road vehicles – issued August 12

Smoky Conditions

We know that smoky skies can be unsettling and may cause concern, especially during wildfire season when conditions can change quickly.

Currently, the smoky conditions across the RDCK are not the result of new wildfires in the region. The smoke is primarily drifting in from active wildfires in Washington and Idaho, along with smoke from several ongoing fires within the Southeast Fire Centre. This smoke can affect your health, so please take the necessary precautions – limit time outdoors, keep windows and doors closed, run an air filter if you have one – to ensure you and your family are being safe.

For the latest information on air quality, checkout the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI). It is a simple scale from 1-10 and updated by the Province every hour.

The BC Centre for Disease Control also has advice on how you can manage your health during wildfire season. Wildfire Smoke

General Information

For more information on the wildfires refer to BCWS website and BCWS Facebook.

Visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo for the complete details of all current evacuation orders and alerts. Follow the RDCK on Facebook and X. Affected residents with any questions can contact the RDCK Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at 250.352.7701.

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

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