With fires burning across B.C., is it safe to continue with travel plans?

Yahoo

3 days ago

If there was a weekend that could be described as peak summer in B.C., this would be it. Local vacation destinations see a surge of visitors as the cities empty out a little.
But with forest fires raging across the province, is it advisable to travel?
'The August long weekend feels like the height of summer for us,' says Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, where a wildfire is burning near Peachland. 'We welcome people to continue with their plans.'
The patio at Bliss Bakery in Peachland was busy on Thursday, said owner Barry Yeo. Guests enjoyed baked goods and a water show as helicopters picked up buckets of water from the lake.
The bakery has a strong customer base, but business triples in the summer months, he said.
'It should be business as usual this weekend,' he said.
Harrison Hot Springs is also open despite a wildfire burning about 20 kilometres away on the eastern shore of Harrison Lake.
'The village and the resort are very much open,' said Erinn Kredba, interim executive-director of Tourism Harrison River Valley. 'This is a long weekend and businesses still need people to come.'
Near Lytton, Kumsheen Rafting Resort was still launching rafts on Thursday, although a staff member said she had been fielding calls all morning from people wondering if their trips had been cancelled.
But the invitation to visit does come with some caveats.
While this time of year invites ease and relaxation, it's best to stay informed. Below is a collection of places you can find current wildfire information as you head out this weekend.
Where can I find information on B.C. fires?
The B.C. Wildfire Service website shows fires that are currently burning in B.C., with information about their location, size, cause and related closures. For example, the wildfire service is asking people to avoid a specific part of Harrison Lake this weekend, including the area north of the Cascade Peninsula and south of Silver River as fire crews, including planes and helicopters, are active in that area.
Are roads closed due to wildfires?
The DriveBC website is one of the best places to find information on road closures, as you can enter your starting point and destination to see closures in effect along your route. The wildfire near Peachland had traffic down to a single lane on part of Highway 97 on Thursday, with updates provided every few hours.
What if there is an evacuation alert?
Evacuation alerts and orders are put in effect by local governments or First Nations, so their websites are usually the best place to find detailed information. Central Okanagan Emergency Operations can tell you about the fire near Peachland and emergency support services for evacuees. EmergencyInfoBC also posts evacuation updates, including the recent order issued by Lytton First Nation. There is also an evacuation alert for the backcountry area near the Harrison fire, which impacts some recreation campsites.
Will it be smoky on my trip?
Despite the out-of-control wildfire burning near Peachland, the skies were blue on Thursday, said Sebastian Wunderlich, who was manning the visitor centre.
'I can see across the lake,' he said, noting a slight haze in the air.
Smoke forecasts change with the wind. So far, areas near some of B.C.'s most notable fires have not been very smoky, but you can find a smoke forecast on the Fire Smoke website.
What else should I know before I go?
It's also a good idea to check the local tourism page before you depart to see if they make any specific recommendations about wildfires. Many have a 'know before you go' section that addresses how to travel during wildfire season and provide a collection of local resources and information.
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