(UPDATE: July 27 @ 7:22 am): The road has now been reopened.
DriveBC warned motorists of low visibility due to wildfire smoke, however.
BC Wildfire Service said this morning: "Due to an increase in fire behaviour along Highway 97C there may be closures with little to no notice.
"The BC Wildfire Service is working with the RCMP and Ministry of Transportation to ensure safe travel along Highway 97C."
(Original story: July 27 @ 6:34 am): Hwy 97C has been closed in both directions due to a wildfire near Ashcroft.
DriveBC said there is no estimated time for the road to reopen.
The highway was initially closed around midnight before reopening shortly after, but was closed again due to wildfire smoke at around 3 am.
A detour via Hwy 1 is in effect, DriveBC said.
UPDATE- #BCHwy97C - CLOSED again due to wildfire in #Ashcroft at Barnes Lake, estimated opening time unavailable. please drive carefully and watch for crews. More info: https://t.co/p8LUM48xnU #Cariboo
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) July 27, 2021
The highway is being affected by the Tremont Creek blaze.
It remains out of control at just over 12,000 hectares.
In an update last night, the BC Wildfire Service said high winds and temperatures were creating “significant fire behaviour” on the southern flank of the fire – which touches on Hwy 97C.
“Crews have been forced to pull back to safety zones and will continue to work on containment when safe to do so,” BCWS said.
“Due to smoky conditions over the fire, getting an updated perimeter continues to be a challenge.”
