Post Wildfire Natural Hazards Risk Analysis - Trozzo Creek and Akokli Creek Wildfires

Nelson, BC:  The Province of British Columbia’s Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (MFLNRORD) has released its post wildfire natural hazards risk analysis reports for the Trozzo Creek wildfire and Akokli Creek wildfire from 2021. These reports contain information on potential hazards and risks following a wildfire, such as downslope and downstream risks to life, property and infrastructure. To view the reports click www.rdck.ca/hazardreports.

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 Trozzo Creek and Akokli Creek warn of potential risks to private property, highways and other transportation infrastructure and water supply infrastructure.  

“The Regional District of Central Kootenay recommends that residents in the affected areas carefully read and understand the reports,” said Chris Johnson, RDCK Manager of Community Sustainability. “The information provided by MFLNRORD advises how conditions may have changed as a result of the wildfires, and we encourage residents to update their personal, family and neighbourhood emergency plans accordingly.”

For information on emergency preparedness, visit emergency management in B.C.

2021 was an unprecedented year for emergencies. The Trozzo Creek wildfire originated on July 9th in the Winlaw Creek drainage southeast of the community of Winlaw and spread into the Trozzo Creek, Lemon Creek and Grohman Creek drainages. As a result, a number of residents in Electoral Area H’s Slocan Valley were under an Evacuation Alert and others were on Evacuation Order. The Akokli Creek wildfire was also discovered on July 9th and affected Akokli Creek, Charles Creek, McGregor Creek, Holiday Creek and Mack Creek. The wildfire resulted in residents from Boswell, Destiny Bay and Sanca on the east shore of the south arm of Kootenay Lake in Electoral Area A being under an Evacuation Alert for 29 days.

The Post Wildfire Natural Hazard Risk Analysis reports for previous wildfire events are also available on our website at: www.rdck.ca/hazardreports.

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.

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

To report floods or landslides, contact Emergency Management BC at 1.800.663.3456

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

 

The content on this page was last updated March 11 2022 at 3:39 AM