Highway 1 reopens though B.C. wildfire zone

Highway 1 has reopened through British Columbia’s Fraser Canyon as wildfire crews continue to battle massive blazes that have forced residents to flee their homes in and around the community of Boston Bar.

Highway 1 has reopened through British Columbia’s Fraser Canyon as wildfire crews continue to battle massive blazes that have forced residents to flee their homes in and around the community of Boston Bar. The highway opened Friday morning with a single lane in each direction, according to the B.C. Transportation Ministry’s website. DriveBC says the speed limit has been reduced to 60km/h through a 27-kilometre stretch of highway that reaches north and south of Boston Bar.

The ministry urges drivers not to stop within the wildfire zone and to watch out for firefighting crews and equipment. Highway 1 has opened and closed temporarily in recent weeks as crews battle the Brunswick Complex fires burning on both sides of the canyon. On Thursday, the ministry restricted access to the region via Highway 1 north of Hope and south of Lytton as residents evacuated the region.

More than 350 firefighters and 20 helicopters have been assigned to the fire complex, plus dozens of pieces of heavy equipment and structure protection personnel. The B.C. Wildfire Service says there are about 50 active wildfires in the province Friday, with about 22 considered out of control and 27 new blazes started in the last 24 hours.