Highway 1 reopens near Hope, B.C., active wildfire means future closures possible
A section of Highway 1 that was partially closed due to a wildfire near Hope, B.C. has reopened, with the province warning it could be closed again "at any time"
On Sunday, eastbound lanes of Highway 1 were closed for about 32 kilometres. The closures were in effect from Exit 138 at Bridal Falls Road to Flood Hope Road. Westbound lanes remained open but drivers were told not to stop to take photos or video of the fire.
On Monday afternoon, DriveBC said it has been reopened with a single-lane and reduced speed limits along part of the route. Significant delays are still expected.
"The Flood Falls Wildfire is still active and Highway 1 could close at any time if the situation changes," Drive BC said in a tweet in response to a question about whether future closures are possible.
As of Monday morning, the Flood Falls Trail fire burning southwest of Hope was an estimated 520 hectares. Officials believe the blaze, which was discovered on Sept. 8, is human-caused.
"Due to hot, dry conditions, increased fire behaviour will be visible today. This fire is burning is very steep terrain presenting access challenges for ground crews. Helicopters are focusing on bucketing the east and west flanks of this fire," an update from BC Wildfire Service said.
"This fire is highly visible from the community of Hope and Highway 1. Highway 1 will continue to see increased smoke and visibility issues."
Multiple properties were placed under evacuation order Sunday, including some in the Laidlaw area and the District of Hope. Maps of the affected areas can be found on the Fraser Valley Regional District and District of Hope websites.
As of Monday, 78 firefighters were assigned to the blaze, along with seven helicopters and two pieces of heavy equipment.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Video shows suspect setting Toronto-area barbershop on fire
Video of a suspect lighting a Richmond Hill barbershop on fire earlier this week has been released by police.
The kids from 'Mrs. Doubtfire' are all SUPER grown up now, and we're not OK
The adorable trio of child actors from the 1993 classic comedy 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' which starred the late and great Robin Williams, are all grown up and looking back on their seminal time together.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Premier Legault reiterates that McGill pro-Palestinian camp must be dismantled
Quebec Premier François Legault reiterated that the pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University must be dismantled while police remain 'on the lookout for new developments.'
A Chinese driver is praised for helping reduce casualties in a highway collapse that killed 48
A Chinese truck driver was praised in local media Saturday for parking his vehicle across a highway and preventing more cars from tumbling down a slope after a section of the road in the country's mountainous south collapsed and killed at least 48 people.
'I have the will to live': N.B. woman needs double lung transplant
A New Brunswick woman suffering from sarcoidosis, a disease that limits your lung capacity, is in need of a double lung transplant.
Hulk Hogan, hurricanes and a blockbuster recording: A week in review of the Trump hush money trial
Crucial witnesses took the stand in the second week of testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial, including a California lawyer who negotiated deals at the center of the case and a longtime adviser to the former president.