Coquihalla Highway shut down between Hope and Merritt Wednesday
Image: Via Kamscan on X / Wildfire near the Coquihalla Highway.
COQUIHALLA HIGHWAY — The Coquihalla Highway is closed in both directions Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 3) between Hope and Merritt.
Drive BC says the route is closed for a 102-kilometre stretch between Merritt and Hope as a result of a nearby wildfire. The Mine Creek wildfire is currently mapped at 483 hectares in size, and the BC Wildfire Service has labeled the blaze as out-of-control.
Reports, and photos share on social media suggest the Mine Creek fire may have encroached on the highway.
BCWS says the fire is burning at Rank 3, meaning moderately vigorous surface fire. While this incident is highly visible from the Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5), the fire is currently burning upslope and into a previously burned area, decreasing fire behavior. It is not threatening any structures, roads, or utilities at this time.
BCWS says it is addressing this incident using a modified response. During a modified response, a wildfire is managed using a combination of techniques with the goal to minimize damage while maximizing ecological benefits from the fire. Lightning-caused wildfires often start at high elevation in areas that crews and resources are unable to work on directly and where there is no immediate threat to values. This incident is currently challenging our ability to safely deploy wildfire crews; public and responder safety is the number one priority of the BC Wildfire Service.
There is no road access to the incident, and the steep slopes and rocky terrain also pose a threat to access and egress routes. This incident is being monitored closely, with multiple helicopter flights daily, and night vison helicopters available overnight, to assess its growth. Should the fire move into actionable terrain, or pose a threat to infrastructure, BC Wildfire’s response will adapt accordingly.