Wildfire Closes Another Stretch of BC Highway

Highway 97 Closed Between Cache Creek and 70 Mile House as Out-of-Control Wildfires Force Evacuations

July 25 2026 - A stretch of Highway 97 remains closed between Cache Creek and 70 Mile House amid aggressive wildfire activity in the Cariboo region.

The highway closure runs more precisely between the Highway 97/Highway 99 junction and Chasm, affecting communities and areas including 20 Mile House, Clinton, Highbar First Nations, and 59 Mile Roadhouse.

The disruptions stem from two major wildfires of note in the Cariboo Fire Centre, both discovered on July 17, 2026, and still listed as out of control.

Pear Lake wildfire (C40983) Out of control 4,472.3 hectares, July 24, 2026 – 5:16 p.m.

The Pear Lake fire (C40983), burning east of Pear Lake, has grown to 4,472.3 hectares.

Evacuation orders remain in place from the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, Thompson-Nicola Regional District, and Village of Clinton, with alerts also active.

Strong southwest winds gusting to 35 km/h on July 24 pushed the fire across Kelly Lake Road in multiple spots, producing challenging spot fires.

Overnight, firefighters observed Rank 4 behaviour along the east flank, an organized wall of flame with intermittent crowning (flames racing through the treetops) and rapid spread.

The fire remains above the train tracks near Pear Lake and a powerline right-of-way.

Crews, backed by helicopters and heavy equipment, are building guards and hose lines while preparing structure protection toward Clinton.

Lightning is the suspected cause. Drought-stressed fuels continue to drive intense activity under warm, dry conditions.

Fiftynine Creek wildfire (C40897) Out of Control, 16,723.5 hectares, July 24, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.

The larger Fiftynine Creek fire (C40897), located about 2.1 km northwest of Isadore Road, has expanded to 16,723.5 hectares. Evacuation orders and alerts have been issued by the Stswecem’c Xget’tem First Nation and Thompson-Nicola Regional District.

Winds from the west and northwest on July 24 produced Rank 5 behaviour on the southwest flank, a continuous, organized flame front with independent spot fires jumping ahead of the main blaze, forcing crews to pull back temporarily for safety.

Suppression efforts continue near Big Bar Lake, Big Bar Road, and Little White Lake, with structure protection underway.

Big Bar and Meadow Lake roads are closed, and smoke is visible to nearby communities and Highway 97 motorists.

Both fires fall under the Big Bar Complex, with significant resources assigned including firefighting personnel, helicopters, heavy equipment, and structure protection teams.

Officials warn of continued growth potential as a cold front approaches, bringing possible stronger winds, while temperatures stay in the mid-to-high 20s Celsius with low humidity.

Motorists are advised to check DriveBC for the latest road conditions and avoid the closed section of Highway 97.

This is a dynamic event and conditions can change rapidly. Check for updates from the BC Wildfire Service Cariboo Fire Centre.

Residents in evacuation zones should follow official orders immediately.

Wildfire Closes Another Stretch of BC Highway