Highway 97 Fully Reopens Through Okanagan Corridor as Summerland Wildfire Evacuation Orders Rescinded

SUMMERLAND, B.C. — British Columbia transportation and emergency officials fully reopened Highway 97 to unrestricted two-way traffic through the Okanagan corridor, lifting travel restrictions as wildfire suppression crews secured containment lines around the Summerland interface wildfire, enabling the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) to rescind evacuation orders for over 450 properties.

Highway Reopening and Wildfire Suppression Progress

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, alongside the BC Wildfire Service, certified that geotechnical slope assessments along the cliffside corridor confirmed the roadway is safe from falling debris:

• Unrestricted Corridor Flow: Highway 97 between Peachland and Penticton had previously operated under pilot-car escorts and nighttime closures due to burning timber and rockfall hazards above the roadway. All time restraints have been officially lifted.
• Evacuation Orders Downgraded: The RDOS downgraded evacuation orders to evacuation alerts for properties along Garnet Valley Road and North Beach Road, permitting residents to return to their homes while remaining on standby.
• Fire Suppression Assets: Over 95 wildland firefighters, supported by heavy machinery guards and four intermediate bucketing helicopters, established 100 per cent structural protection perimeters, halting the wildfire's spread at 180 hectares.

"The reopening of Highway 97 is a major milestone for Okanagan commuters, regional tourism, and freight logistics," Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Bowinn Ma stated. "We thank the extraordinary wildfire crews, local municipal emergency teams, and utility workers who worked tirelessly in steep, hazardous terrain to protect homes and restore critical transport links."

Agricultural Impact and Community Recovery

Local orchardists and vineyard operators in Summerland and Peachland expressed immense relief as the transportation reopening allows seasonal agricultural workers to resume fruit harvesting and enables freight trucks to deliver perishable produce to packing houses in Kelowna and Vancouver.

Emergency Support Services (ESS) reception centres in Penticton began demobilizing temporary lodging operations while continuing to provide psychological support, air purification supplies, and food vouchers for returning evacuees.

Public Safety and Smoke Awareness

BC Wildfire Service officials cautioned that while the fire is designated as "being held," internal hot spots and smoky conditions will persist in the hills above the highway for several days. Motorists are advised not to stop on highway shoulders to view fire activity to prevent traffic congestion and maintain safety for patrol vehicles.