Post Wildfire Natural Hazard Risk Analysis - West Kokanee Wildfire
November 9, 2023
Nelson, BC: The Province of British Columbia’s Ministry of Forests has released its post wildfire natural hazards risk analysis for the 2023 West Kokanee Creek Wildfire. The report contains information on potential hazards and risks following a wildfire, such as downslope and downstream risks to life, property and infrastructure. Click here to view the full report.
Following a wildfire, the chances of soil erosion, landslides, and floods can increase. This risk can be increased with intense rainfall or rapid snowmelt. To better understand the risk, the Ministry of Forests conducts post wildfire analyses of the hazard areas that can affect residents. The recent report warns of potential risks to private property, forest service roads and bridges, roads and other transportation infrastructure and water supply infrastructure.
“The Regional District of Central Kootenay recommends residents in the affected areas read and understand the report,” said Dan Séguin, Manager of Community Sustainability at the RDCK. “Residents are encouraged to get to know their watershed and related risks and be prepared for potential emergencies with having a plan and an emergency kit.”
For information on emergency preparedness, visit emergency management in B.C.
2023 was the worst wildfire year on record for BC. The West Kokanee wildfire originated on August 7th, 2023 and burned 46 hectares of forest on the ridgetop between Sitkum Creek and Kokanee Creek, 15 km northeast of Nelson. This wildfire was highly visible from neighbouring communities and was declared under control by BC Wildfire Services on August 16th, 2023.
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:
- RDCK Emergency Management
- Sign up for the RDCK Emergency Notification System
- 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
- Public weather alerts for BC from Environment Canada
- Landslide Emergency Preparedness
- Current RDCK Evacuation Alerts, Orders and Rescinds or call 250-352-7701
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 November 9 2023 at 3:46 AM