Non-essential travel restrictions lift for most of B.C.’s southern Interior
Posted August 22, 2023 5:36 pm.
Last Updated August 23, 2023 6:17 am.
Non-essential travel restrictions have been lifted for much of B.C.’s southern Interior after devastating wildfires cleared out thousands of properties in the area.
Restrictions ended as the clock hit midnight on Wednesday, and travellers are able to return to Kelowna, Kamloops, Oliver, Osoyoos, Penticton, and Vernon.
The province initially issued restrictions on non-essential travel on Saturday, August 19 — when it was reported that approximately 35,000 British Columbians were on evacuation order and another 30,000 were on alert.
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B.C.’s Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, Bowinn Ma says West Kelowna remains an exception, however, as crews continue to battle the out-of-control McDougall Creek wildfire. She says temporary accommodation will continue to be reserved for those who need it most.
“The emergency order we put in place on Saturday has had the effect we required and thousands of hotel rooms were made available for people forced from their homes, as well as the many firefighters and emergency crews who are protecting us during the worst wildfire season in our history. Working with local governments and First Nations, we will continue to place people in the accommodations that are now available,” Ma explained.
“In recent days, B.C. experienced some of the most devastating wildfires in our history. We want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who cancelled their plans to travel to the Interior in recent days, as well as to our partners in the tourism industry for their support and understanding.”
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Ma asks travellers to make their way through the province safely and avoid communities that are heavily affected by fires and continue to face challenges.
“Listen to the direction of local communities. Respect emergency orders and alerts. While many communities in the Interior are looking forward to welcoming people, others, like Lake Country and the Shuswap, are advising that now is not a good time to visit.”
Meanwhile, Highway 1 remains closed in two spots — just east of Kamloops, as well as a small section of the highway between Lytton and Hope.
