The Slocan region of Interior BC has been evacuated due to multiple fires

Multiple fires have forced the evacuation of the village of Slocan, BC and hundreds of surrounding properties.

A statement from the Central Kootenay Regional District says a warming and drying trend in the region means fires in the area 370 kilometers east of Kelowna will see more activity.

The statement said the area’s unique topography presents “significant direct attack safety challenges” and that the fire’s projected behavior prompted officials to recommend the evacuation order.

It covers all 208 properties in the village and 309 properties in the surrounding area.

The BC Wildfire Service says 128 firefighters are responding to the 10 fires at the Slocan Lake Complex.

An online statement says crews are digging and using chainsaws to establish control lines in areas where heavy machinery cannot operate.

Several fires are classified as out of control in the area, including the Komonko Creek and Aylwin Creek fires, which have burned a total of 29 square kilometres.

There are 372 fires burning in British Columbia on Sunday, 177 of which the BC Wildfire Service classifies as out of control.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 28, 2024.

The Canadian Press