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Economic Times
31-07-2025
- Climate
- Economic Times
Wildfire triggers highway 97C closures and tactical evacuations in B.C.'s Okanagan
Synopsis A major wildfire shuts down key highways in British Columbia's Okanagan region. Tactical evacuations are underway between West Kelowna and Peachland. Highway 97 and the Okanagan Connector are closed. Firefighters are battling the blaze with helicopters and ground crews. The fire near Drought Hill may be human-caused. Residents are urged to avoid the area. Other wildfires burn across British Columbia. A rapidly growing wildfire has forced the closure of major highways and prompted tactical evacuations in British Columbia's Okanagan region between West Kelowna and Peachland on Wednesday afternoon, July 30. ADVERTISEMENT According to DriveBC and emergency officials, both directions of Highway 97 are closed between Peachland and the junction with Highway 97C due to an active wildfire, which covered an estimated 12 hectares by late afternoon. Highway 97C, known as the Okanagan Connector, is also closed between the junctions of Highway 97 and Highway 5A, affecting more than 80 kilometers of roadway and severely disrupting transportation in the region. The wildfire, centered near Drought Hill, has led to 'tactical evacuations', with the Central Okanagan Regional District's emergency operations centre activating emergency reception centre at the Peachland Community Centre for evacuees. Firefighting response and resident safety Firefighting resources have been swiftly deployed, including helicopters, airtankers, and ground crews from the BC Wildfire Service, municipal fire departments, and contracted are refueling at nearby Okanagan Lake, prompting RCMP to urge boaters to keep clear of firefighting aircraft operations. So far, the fire is not categorized as a 'wildfire of note' — a BC Wildfire Service designation for blazes that are especially dangerous or highly visible. There have been no immediate reports of significant property damage or injuries, but officials warn evacuation orders or alerts might be issued as conditions evolve. ADVERTISEMENT Early investigations suggest the fire was likely sparked by human activity rather than lightning or other natural causes. Officials believe the fire was sparked by a truck carrying a piece of Canada's ongoing heat warnings for the region have contributed to tinder-dry conditions, amplifying wildfire risk. ADVERTISEMENT Impact on residents and regional transportationThe mass highway closures have stranded motorists and forced lengthy detours via alternate routes, including Highway 33 and Highway 3. Emergency officials are urging the public to avoid the area and only travel if necessary. According to regional communications officer Kari O'Rourke, 'It was pretty much firefighters knocking on doors doing tactical evacuations' as they sought to move residents swiftly away from danger zones. ADVERTISEMENT Provincial wildfire context This incident is part of a severe wildfire season in British Columbia. On the same day, other large fires such as the Bear Creek wildfire near Harrison Lake and a fire south of Lytton are burning and threatening communities, with authorities issuing alerts and warnings throughout the support and up-to-the-minute information are being provided to affected residents through and regional emergency operations channels. The duration of the highway closures remains uncertain as crews continue to battle the flames and protect local communities. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates. NEXT STORY
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Wildfire triggers highway 97C closures and tactical evacuations in B.C.'s Okanagan
A rapidly growing wildfire has forced the closure of major highways and prompted tactical evacuations in British Columbia 's Okanagan region between West Kelowna and Peachland on Wednesday afternoon, July 30. According to DriveBC and emergency officials, both directions of Highway 97 are closed between Peachland and the junction with Highway 97C due to an active wildfire, which covered an estimated 12 hectares by late afternoon. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category others MCA Management Data Analytics PGDM Public Policy Cybersecurity Operations Management Leadership Data Science Technology Others Artificial Intelligence MBA Finance Product Management Design Thinking CXO Project Management Healthcare healthcare Degree Data Science Digital Marketing Skills you'll gain: Duration: 16 Weeks Indian School of Business CERT - ISB Cybersecurity for Leaders Program India Starts on undefined Get Details Highway 97C, known as the Okanagan Connector, is also closed between the junctions of Highway 97 and Highway 5A, affecting more than 80 kilometers of roadway and severely disrupting transportation in the region. The wildfire, centered near Drought Hill , has led to 'tactical evacuations', with the Central Okanagan Regional District's emergency operations centre activating emergency reception centre at the Peachland Community Centre for evacuees. Firefighting response and resident safety Firefighting resources have been swiftly deployed, including helicopters, airtankers, and ground crews from the BC Wildfire Service , municipal fire departments, and contracted are refueling at nearby Okanagan Lake, prompting RCMP to urge boaters to keep clear of firefighting aircraft operations. Live Events So far, the fire is not categorized as a 'wildfire of note' — a BC Wildfire Service designation for blazes that are especially dangerous or highly visible. There have been no immediate reports of significant property damage or injuries, but officials warn evacuation orders or alerts might be issued as conditions evolve. Early investigations suggest the fire was likely sparked by human activity rather than lightning or other natural causes. Officials believe the fire was sparked by a truck carrying a piece of equipment. Environment Canada's ongoing heat warnings for the region have contributed to tinder-dry conditions, amplifying wildfire risk. Impact on residents and regional transportation The mass highway closures have stranded motorists and forced lengthy detours via alternate routes, including Highway 33 and Highway 3. Emergency officials are urging the public to avoid the area and only travel if necessary. According to regional communications officer Kari O'Rourke, 'It was pretty much firefighters knocking on doors doing tactical evacuations' as they sought to move residents swiftly away from danger zones. Provincial wildfire context This incident is part of a severe wildfire season in British Columbia. On the same day, other large fires such as the Bear Creek wildfire near Harrison Lake and a fire south of Lytton are burning and threatening communities, with authorities issuing alerts and warnings throughout the province. Emergency support and up-to-the-minute information are being provided to affected residents through and regional emergency operations channels. The duration of the highway closures remains uncertain as crews continue to battle the flames and protect local communities.
