Wildfires south of Silverton closed Highway 6 on Saturday.

DriveBC’s website states that 11.5 kilometres of Highway 6 are closed to traffic, both for the safety of local residents and emergency responders. There is no estimated time for the opening due to local wildfires in the Slocan Valley.

There are currently two large lightning-caused wildfires burning: Aylwin Creek (300 acres) and Komonko Creek (1,300 acres) on either side of Highway 6 south of Silverton.

The Aylwin Creek wildfire has forced the Regional District of Central Kootenay to issue an evacuation order and a warning for all properties in the area.

Visit the RDCK website for more information and a list of properties.

The BC Wildfire Service reported that two fire departments and emergency services are still working on the fire.

However, the smoke in the area limited visibility, which made it difficult for aircraft to attack the fire.

The BC Wildfire Service said helicopters will assist with firefighting efforts once visibility improves.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, the Aylwin Creek wildfire is currently at a Class 2 fire with Class 3 areas as of Saturday morning. This means it is a low-moderate area fire with visible open flames.

The crews protecting the structure worked through Friday night, focusing on the problem areas.

Meanwhile, closer to Nelson, British Columbia, firefighters are hard at work trying to contain the Eagle Creek fire west of Nelson, above the community of Blewett.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, skimmers, fire-fighting aircraft using fire retardant and helicopters were used late Friday night and early Saturday morning to help with the fire, using local water sources on the seven-hectare site where the lightning struck fire started.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, temperatures in the province are still above season, making for warm and dry conditions. More than 30 active heat warnings have been issued in British Columbia. Minimal precipitation is expected in the north, but isolated thunderstorms will linger in the northwest and the Prince George Fire Centre.

With no rainfall in the southern regions, fire danger is high to extreme in most areas.

BC Wildfire Service’s airstrike Saturday put a significant dent in the Eagle Creek fire west of Nelson, near Blewett. — Photo by BC Wildfire Service