Highway 97, which was closed due to the wildfire between Peachland and the Pyramid Picnic Area in Kickininee Provincial Park, has now reopened with restricted hours, as confirmed by DriveBC on Thursday. Traffic is permitted daily between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. PT strictly for through-route travel without any stops or exits allowed at any time. The reopening is subject to fire behavior and the changing needs of BC Wildfire Service crews.
Meanwhile, other road closures persist, including Highway 1 north of Hope and Highway 97 north of Cache Creek. The northeastern edge of the Ainslie Creek wildfire near Boston Bar, covering approximately 616 square kilometers as of Wednesday night, poses a threat close to Highway 8. Firefighters are stationed in the area around the clock to safeguard the highway and nearby structures in the Nooaitch Indian Band reserve.
In an update on the wildfire situation in British Columbia, it was reported on Thursday morning that approximately 18,900 individuals are under evacuation orders, with another 10,000 on evacuation alert statewide. Some evacuees may soon be able to return home as the Quilpituk Creek wildfire’s status was downgraded from “out of control” to “being held” on Thursday.
The Bald Range wildfire near Summerland has expanded overnight to an estimated 191 square kilometers, according to the latest data from the BC Wildfire Service. The fire has caused significant property damage, though an official assessment of losses is pending. As specialized search-and-rescue teams are deployed to assess the destruction, officials have urged evacuated individuals to remain patient.
In response to the escalating wildfire risk, the District of Squamish has blocked vehicle access to the primary route to Skwelwil’em Squamish Estuary on Bailey Street, a popular spot for recreation activities. The closure aims to mitigate the fire danger to the community in Squamish due to the dry conditions and elevated fire hazard levels.
Squamish Fire Rescue Chief Aaron Foote expressed serious concerns about the fire conditions in the Sea-to-Sky region, emphasizing the need for caution. Illegal campfires have been a recurring issue in Squamish, with an increase observed towards the end of the week and on weekends. To curb the risk posed by wildfires, a ban on recreational off-road vehicle use on Crown land has been enforced in various fire centers, including the Coastal Fire Centre.
