Highway 97 connecting Penticton and Peachland via Summerland has been reopened with restricted hours. Over 18,900 individuals are currently under evacuation orders in British Columbia, with an additional 10,000 on evacuation alert. The Quilpituk Creek fire near Kelowna is now under control, allowing evacuees to start preparing for re-entry.
The reopening of Highway 97, previously closed due to wildfires, is subject to daily access between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. PT for through-traffic only, with no stopping or exiting permitted. Ongoing monitoring of fire behavior by the BC Wildfire Service will determine the highway’s operational status.
Highway closures persist on Highway 1 north of Hope and Highway 97 north of Cache Creek. The Ainslie Creek wildfire near Boston Bar poses a threat to Highway 8, prompting continuous firefighter presence to safeguard the roadway and nearby structures.
In a positive development, some evacuees may soon return home as the Quilpituk Creek fire’s status has been downgraded. Despite over 100 active wildfires in B.C., cooler weather and higher humidity are expected to aid firefighting efforts.
Meanwhile, the Bald Range wildfire near Summerland has expanded to approximately 191 square kilometers, causing property destruction. Specialized search-and-rescue teams are assessing damages as the fire’s growth exceeded initial expectations, prompting a reevaluation of emergency response strategies.
Indigenous involvement in fire prevention efforts was emphasized by Penticton Indian Band Chief Greg Gabriel, who highlighted the need to address underlying causes of wildfires. In Squamish, heightened fire risks have led to restrictions on vehicle access to the Skwelwil’em Squamish Estuary area, with concerns raised over illegal campfires in the region.