Wildfire crisis prompts travel warning ahead of long weekend in South Cariboo

With Highway 97 closed in areas due to fire activity, Davies said travel through the region has become far more complicated. Accommodation shortages are also becoming a concern as evacuees occupy available rooms and campgrounds in nearby communities.

For travelers planning to visit destinations such as 100 Mile House, or other recreational areas in the South Cariboo, Davies recommends checking road conditions and wildfire information frequently before leaving home.

“It’s not business as usual right now in the Cariboo,” he said. “People should definitely be aware of what’s happening in the region before they head here.”

The warning extends beyond those travelling directly to the South Cariboo. Northern residents planning trips south through the Interior are also being advised to monitor conditions closely.

Davies said highway closures and detours can change quickly depending on fire behaviour, and motorists should be prepared for delays and heavier-than-normal traffic volumes on alternate routes.

“There are a lot of people on evacuation order, and Highway 97 being closed means other highways are seeing increased traffic,” he said. “If you do need to travel, it’s important to be patient and prepared for delays.”

He added that people with flexible schedules may want to consider postponing trips until conditions improve.

Meanwhile, fire crews continue battling challenging conditions on the Pear Lake Fire.

Paula Walbauer, Fire Information Officer for the Big Bar Complex, said warm temperatures, drought conditions and an approaching cold front are creating difficult circumstances for firefighters.

“We’re still seeing the impacts of extreme drought across the area,” Walbauer said. “Those dry conditions continue to contribute to fire growth and challenge containment efforts.”

Temperatures are expected to reach approximately 27 degrees Celsius, with increased fire behaviour anticipated as daytime heating intensifies. A cold front moving into the area on Saturday could bring shifting winds across the complex, raising concerns for both firefighters and nearby communities.

Walbauer said safety remains the top priority for crews working on the fire line.

Structure protection teams continue focusing efforts on communities and rural areas including Clinton, 70 Mile House, Canoe Creek, Meadow Lake Road, Beaver Dam Lake and Green Lake. Crews are deploying equipment, conducting structure assessments and preparing properties where it is safe to do so.

While Walbauer could not confirm reports of structures lost in recent days, she acknowledged that homes and properties remain under threat from the advancing fire.

“Our personnel are prioritizing work where there is active fire around structures and preparing areas that could be impacted if fire activity increases,” she said.

Officials are also emphasizing the importance of obeying evacuation orders.

The BC Wildfire Service recently reported an incident in which first responders assisted an individual whose escape route became compromised by wildfire activity. While Walbauer could not discuss that specific event, she said firefighters continue to encounter situations involving people who remain in evacuation order zones.

“We have had tactical evacuations involving people who chose to remain in areas after an evacuation order had been issued,” she said.

She warned that conditions can deteriorate rapidly, leaving residents with little time to escape.

“People who decide to wait and see may find their exit route blocked by fallen trees, abandoned vehicles, smoke or active fire,” Walbauer said. “If an evacuation order is issued, leave immediately.”

Authorities note that individuals who disregard evacuation orders could face enforcement actions, including fines.

Davies also highlighted concerns surrounding properties and recreational areas located within evacuation alert zones. Several campgrounds in affected regions have already closed, as campers may not be able to leave quickly enough if conditions worsen.

“An evacuation alert means people need to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice,” he said. “If you’re heading to an area on alert, it may be best to postpone your plans.”

Both officials stress that the situation remains highly dynamic heading into the long weekend.

Travelers are encouraged to monitor DriveBC for highway information and use the BC Wildfire Service website or mobile app for the latest wildfire updates, maps and operational briefings. Residents with questions about evacuation orders or alerts are also encouraged to contact their local governments or emergency operations centres.

For now, officials say awareness, preparation and flexibility remain the keys to staying safe as wildfire season continues to impact communities across the South Cariboo.

by Greg Fry

Wildfire crisis prompts travel warning ahead of long weekend in South Cariboo

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