Highway 97 has reopened on a limited daytime schedule between Penticton and Peachland as crews respond to the Bald Range wildfire.
DriveBC said Thursday morning that traffic will be permitted through the closure area from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, although access will depend on fire behaviour and the operational needs of B.C. Wildfire Service crews.
DriveBC said the highway is a through route only, with no stopping or exiting permitted in the affected area. Reduced speeds are in place because crews may be working on or beside the road.
DriveBC asked motorists not to arrive before the 7 a.m. opening.
“This remains an active wildfire area and conditions are subject to change with little or no warning,” the advisory said.
DriveBC said people holding temporary access permits must enter the area from Highway 97 at Prairie Valley Road.
A passenger-vehicle detour using Forest Service Road 201 and Highway 33 between Penticton and Kelowna is also available, according to DriveBC.
The province said the forest service road route is intended for essential passenger-vehicle travel and is not built to normal highway standards. Commercial vehicles are required to use numbered highways as alternate routes.
DriveBC advised drivers using the detour to fuel up before leaving, carry extra food and water and travel during daylight hours.
Highway 97 had been closed through Summerland because of the Bald Range wildfire. Emergency authorities have issued evacuation orders and alerts in areas affected by the fire.
DriveBC said the limited reopening could change quickly depending on wildfire conditions.
