Floods and fires affecting highways in and out of Fort Nelson
Wildfire straddling Highway 77, Highway 97 down to single-lane alternating traffic due to flooding
Two routes out of a northern B.C. city are being affected by a wildfire in one direction and flooding in the other.
Highway 97, also known as the Alaska Highway, is down to single-land alternating traffic west of Fort Nelson, B.C., according to DriveBC, due to flooding at the 624-kilometre mark. DriveBC says drivers should expect delays.
A flood watch has been issued for northern B.C., including tributaries of the Stikine, Liard and Peace rivers and around Atlin, Dease Lake, Muncho Lake and Fort Nelson. According to B.C.'s River Forecast Centre, residents should stay away from rivers as water levels are rising and may flood.
The Patry Creek wildfire, which has been burning in B.C.'s northeast since May, is affecting the road in and out of the city. The fire now covers about 775 square kilometres, straddling Highway 77, and is listed by the B.C. Wildfire Service as out of control.
Highway 77 was open to traffic as of 10:30 a.m. PT on Tuesday. However, the provincial transportation agency says smoke is limiting visibility on the highway, and travellers are not allowed to stop if they choose to travel that route.
A smoky skies bulletin has been issued for the area as smoke from wildfires blankets much of the province.
Meanwhile, hundreds of wildfires are burning throughout B.C., and a fire in Alberta has forced the evacuation of Jasper.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are in the forecast for Fort Nelson on Tuesday, according to Environment Canada.