Post Wildfire Risk Analysis Reconnaissance Report - Michaud Creek and Octopus Creek Wildfires

Nelson, BC: The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (MFLNRORD) has released its post wildfire risk analysis reconnaissance reports for both the Michaud Creek wildfire and Octopus Creek wildfire. These reports assess potential hazards and risks following a wildfire. They evaluate downslope and downstream risks to life, property and infrastructure. The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is expecting similar reports for the Trozzo Creek and Akokli Creek wildfires in early 2022.

Following a wildfire, the chances of soil erosion, landslides, and floods can increase. This risk can be enhanced with intense rainfall or rapid snowmelt. To better understand the risk, MFLNRORD conducts post wildfire analysis of the hazard areas that can affect residents. Recent reports for Michaud Creek and Octopus Creek warn of potential hazards to private water systems, infrastructure and recreation sites. To view the reports click www.rdck.ca/hazardreports.

“A key part of being prepared is knowing what hazards you are exposed to,” said Chris Johnson, RDCK Manager of Community Sustainability. “This local knowledge along with a household emergency plan and an emergency grab and go kit can significantly decrease the chances of an emergency becoming a disaster.”

2021 was an unprecedented season for wildfire in the RDCK. The Michaud Creek wildfire originated south of the community of Edgewood on the west shore of Lower Arrow Lake, while the Octopus Creek wildfire impacted the communities of Fauquier and Applegrove on the east shore of Lower Arrow Lake. Both wildfires resulted in multiple Evacuation Alerts and Evacuation Orders.

The RDCK encourages residents to remain prepared for unexpected events or emergencies by making a plan and having a household emergency kit and a grab and go bag. As well, it is recommended for residents to exercise extreme caution in areas below recent wildfires and near creeks. Following a wildfire, the likelihood of the occurrence of landslides, erosion, floods and snow avalanches within or downslope of the burned area can increase.

Emergency Preparedness Resources

RDCK Emergency Management
Emergency Management - Prepared BC
Prepared BC emergency guides and resources
Post-wildfire Natural Hazards Risk Analysis in British Columbia – MFLNRORD
Landslide and Flooding Risk Due to Wildfires – MFLNRORD

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The content on this page was last updated November 9 2021 at 12:49 AM