June 3, 8:30 am update: The Alaska Highway portion closed by fire has reopened to one-lane traffic. Expect delays and possible further closures.
A fast-moving wildfire near Summit Lake, approximately 58 miles west of Fort Nelson, has led to travel disruptions along the Alaska Highway and forced evacuation alerts for parts of northern British Columbia.
The blaze, designated G90413 by the BC Wildfire Service, has now grown to an estimated 2,158 acres and remains classified as burning out of control.
First discovered on May 28, the wildfire is thought to have been caused by human activity.
Drought conditions, dry weather, and strong winds intensified fire behavior overnight between June 1 and 2, causing the flames to surge southeast toward the Alaska Highway. The corridor is a vital lifeline for communities and tourists traveling between British Columbia, the Yukon, and Alaska.
In response to the advancing fire, the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality issued an evacuation alert for the Tetsa River area. The alert applies specifically to properties along the Alaska Highway between the Steamboat Mountain brake check (mile 333, km 536) and the coordinates 58°42’2.23″N, 124°39’43.41″W to 58°38’16.21″N, 124°39’40.50″W. Residents in the zone have been urged to be ready to leave on short notice.
As of Monday evening, the Alaska Highway remains closed between the Highway 77 junction and Toad River, with no detour routes available. This closure is particularly disruptive for travelers en route to or from Alaska, many of whom rely on this stretch as the only road connection. Toad River is about eight driving hours southeast of Whitehorse, Yukon Territory.
Public Services and Procurement Canada temporarily reopened a small portion of Highway 97 between kilometer markers 580 and 589 to single-lane alternating traffic as of 9:25 pm Alaska time on Monday. However, delays are expected, and officials stress that the situation remains fluid. Motorists are being advised to monitor DriveBC for real-time road conditions and follow posted signage.
Local businesses, such as the Triple G Hideaway RV Park in Fort Nelson, have stepped up to support stranded travelers with accommodations and services as they await road access. Campgrounds, fuel stops, and visitor centers in the area are also seeing an uptick in demand due to the highway closure.
The Summit Lake fire is one of 70 active wildfires currently burning across British Columbia, with more than half considered out of control, the BC Wildfire Service said. The service has deployed an incident management team to oversee operations in the Summit Lake area.
Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for Fort Nelson, Muncho Lake Provincial Park, and Stone Mountain Park. Residents and visitors in these regions should be prepared for reduced visibility and potential health effects due to wildfire smoke.
Travelers headed to or from Alaska through northern British Columbia should:
- Monitor DriveBC for the latest road closures and traffic updates.
- Check EmergencyInfoBC for evacuation orders and alerts.
- Plan for delays and potential overnight stays in Fort Nelson or surrounding communities.
- Be prepared for poor air quality and limited services along the Alaska Highway corridor.
Officials have not yet projected when full highway access will be restored. DriveBC and EmergencyInfoBC will issue another update at 8 am, Mountain time.