Highway 97 in Summerland Temporarily Reopens Under Strict Rules

Highway 97 in Summerland, B.C., which had been closed due to wildfire activity, has been temporarily reopened under strict traffic restrictions.

According to the Ministry of Transportation, the highway will only be open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. During these hours, drivers are strictly prohibited from stopping anywhere along the highway. All exits and side roads leading off the highway will also remain closed, and speed restrictions are in place.

The government has warned that the area remains an active wildfire zone, meaning conditions could change at any time. Drivers have been instructed to strictly follow all traffic-control measures while travelling through Summerland.

The temporary reopening is intended to allow traffic to pass while ensuring fire crews can continue their work without obstruction. At night, regular vehicles can use Forest Service Road 201, while heavy vehicles can take Highway 33 as an alternate route.