Wildfire Forces Closure of Coquihalla Highway Between Hope and Merritt
A major wildfire has forced the closure of one of British Columbia’s busiest routes, the Coquihalla Highway, cutting off travel between Hope and Merritt. The blaze, known as the Mine Creek Wildfire, has been classified as out of control and is threatening both the roadway and surrounding communities. At last report, the fire had grown to approximately 1,900 hectares, and it is believed to have been sparked by lightning earlier this week.
What makes this situation especially striking is how close the flames have come to drivers. Before the highway was shut down, vehicles were filmed moving past walls of fire burning right next to the road. Andrea Chambers, who was driving through just before the closure, described the scene as surreal. At first, she thought the fire was contained to the hillside, but within minutes, flames were directly in front of her. She recalled how the sky darkened overhead and smoke rolled in so thickly that it looked alive.
Also Read:In response, the BC Wildfire Service has deployed air tankers, helicopters, and structure protection units to shield critical infrastructure. The Ministry of Transportation made the closure at the wildfire service’s recommendation, and updates are being provided regularly. For now, travellers are being detoured to Highway 1 or Highway 3, but no timeline has been set for reopening the Coquihalla.
The fire has already prompted evacuation alerts and orders. The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has placed 84 properties in the Brookmere area on alert, while one property is under direct evacuation order. The Fraser Valley Regional District has also issued alerts around the Coquihalla Lakes area, covering part of the Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area.
This wildfire comes at a time when B.C. is seeing an unusual surge in late-season fire activity. Record-breaking temperatures and lightning strikes have increased the risks across the province. B.C. Forests Minister Ravi Parmar has emphasized that even though summer may feel like it’s winding down, wildfire danger is still very real. He urged everyone to remain vigilant, take steps to reduce risks, and be prepared for sudden changes.
For now, the Mine Creek Wildfire remains a powerful reminder of just how fast conditions can shift. What began as a distant blaze on a mountainside is now a force that has closed down one of B.C.’s most vital transportation corridors, disrupted travel, and left communities on edge. Until the fire is brought under control, the situation will remain uncertain, and all eyes will stay on updates from the wildfire service and emergency officials.
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