Trans-Canada reopens in Shuswap after wildfire closure

Highway 1 between Chase and Sorrento is open to the public again.

That stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway has been closed since Aug. 18 when the Bush Creek East wildfire flared up. This morning, Aug. 25, B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation announced that motorists can travel along it again.

However, Highway 1 will remain closed between Boston Bar and Lytton all weekend. It’s been closed since Aug. 17 as a result of the Kookipi Creek wildfire.

“The fire has burned trees on the bluffs above the highway, resulting in falling trees and boulders along the affected area, including through the Falls Creek (Jackass Mountain) highway reconstruction site,” the Ministry said in a release. “The ministry confirms no fire damage to the temporary bridge and other construction works at Falls Creek.”

Dangerous trees are being removed and rock scaling is taking place along the corridor. Culverts are being cleared by the Ministry's maintenance contractor.

“Assessments of area side roads are also underway in order to prioritize cleanup,” the release says.

Progress on the reopening of the highway in the Lytton area will depend on weather and local fire activity, as the Kookipi Creek wildfire remains active.

The next update is expected Monday morning.

For the latest information on road conditions go to DriveBC here.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Dan Walton or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here.