UPDATE: Highway 97 reopens to single lane traffic as crews fight wildfire near Peachland

Highway 97 has reopened to a single lane alternating traffic between Peachland and Summerland following a complete closure earlier today as crews battle a wildfire.

BC Wildfire Service responded to the 2.5 hectare blaze along Highway 97 south of Peachland this morning, July 17.

Two wildfire ground crews with a water tender were being assisted by municipal firefighters from both Summerland and Peachland. A skimmer plane crew and a helicopter were also dropping water on the blaze along the highway about three kilometres south of Peachland.

The fire remains out of control.

Highway 97 was closed in both directions between Callan Road and Renfrew Road and vehicles were being turned around in both directions because there wasn't a local detour.

At around 2:30 p.m., the highway was reopened to single lane alternating traffic, according to DriveBC. There are optional detours to avoid the area completely via Highway 97C, or Highway 33 to Highway 3.

For the latest on the highway closure go to DriveBC.ca.

— This story was updated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2024 with new information from DriveBC.

— This story was updated at 12:01 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2024 with new information from BC Wildfire Service.

— This story was updated at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, 1014 with new information from DriveBC and BC Wildfire Service.

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