Highway 97, which was closed due to the wildfire situation between Peachland and the Pyramid Picnic Area in Kickininee Provincial Park, has now reopened with restricted hours, according to the latest update from DriveBC on Thursday. Traffic is permitted between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. PT daily as a through-route only, with no stopping or exiting the highway allowed at any time. The reopening is contingent on fire activity and the evolving needs of BC Wildfire Service crews.
Meanwhile, Highway 1 north of Hope and Highway 97 north of Cache Creek remain closed. The Ainslie Creek wildfire’s northeastern boundary, spanning approximately 616 square kilometers near Boston Bar, is approaching Highway 8. Firefighters are stationed in the area 24/7 to prevent the fire from reaching the highway and nearby structures in the Nooaitch Indian Band reserve.
In other developments, there are over 100 active wildfires in B.C., mainly concentrated in the southern region. The largest blaze, the Pear Lake wildfire near Clinton, covers an estimated 1,568 square kilometers. While evacuation orders persist for the fire north of Kelowna, cooler weather and increased humidity are anticipated on Thursday and Friday.
The Bald Range wildfire near Summerland has expanded overnight to about 191 square kilometers, as per the latest data from the B.C. Wildfire Service. Although numerous properties have been impacted, an official assessment of losses is pending. Specialized search-and-rescue teams are conducting damage evaluations, with officials urging patience from affected residents.
Penticton Indian Band Chief Greg Gabriel emphasized the need for Indigenous involvement in addressing and preventing the root causes of wildfires, citing the recurrent challenges faced each year. The province is reevaluating its emergency response strategies following the rapid escalation of the Bald Range fire, underscoring the need to adapt to the changing fire dynamics in the region.
Additionally, due to the prevailing dry conditions and heightened fire risk, the District of Squamish has restricted vehicle access to the Skwelwil’em Squamish Estuary via Bailey Street. This decision aims to safeguard the community against potential wildfire threats, with unauthorized vehicle entry prohibited. Fire officials in Squamish have expressed concerns about illegal campfires in the area, prompting a ban on recreational off-road vehicle use on Crown land in various fire centers, including the Coastal Fire Centre.