Highway 97, connecting Penticton and Peachland via Summerland, has reopened for limited hours. The province reported about 18,900 individuals under evacuation orders and an additional 10,000 on evacuation alert across British Columbia. Crews have successfully contained the Quilpituk Creek fire near Kelowna, allowing evacuees to prepare for potential re-entry.
The reopening of Highway 97 is subject to daily operating hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT, with no stopping or exiting allowed. Ongoing monitoring by DriveBC will ensure compliance based on the BC Wildfire Service’s requirements. Meanwhile, sections of Highway 1 and Highway 97 remain closed, with the Ainslie Creek wildfire edging close to Highway 8.
Amid the wildfire crisis, some evacuees may soon return home as the situation stabilizes. Over 100 wildfires are currently active in B.C., primarily concentrated in the southern region. The largest blaze, the Pear Lake wildfire near Clinton, spans 1,568 square kilometers. Cooler weather and higher humidity levels are anticipated to aid firefighting efforts.
The Bald Range wildfire near Summerland has rapidly expanded to approximately 191 square kilometers, prompting evacuation orders and property losses. Premier David Eby highlighted the unprecedented fire growth, signaling a potential shift in B.C.’s wildfire landscape. Indigenous involvement in fire prevention strategies was emphasized by Penticton Indian Band Chief Greg Gabriel during a news conference.
In Squamish, heightened fire risks have led to restrictions on vehicle access to the Skwelwil’em Squamish Estuary. The district has implemented closures to mitigate wildfire threats in the area, with concerns raised by Squamish Fire Rescue Chief Aaron Foote over illegal campfires and off-road vehicle bans on Crown land for recreational use.