Wildfire Shuts Down Coquihalla Highway in Both Directions
A major transportation route in British Columbia, the Coquihalla Highway, has been shut down in both directions after a fast-moving wildfire flared up near Mine Creek. The closure was announced on Tuesday evening, when flames and heavy smoke made travel through the corridor too dangerous for drivers.
This particular fire, known as the Mine Creek wildfire, has been steadily growing over recent days. Videos shared online showed the intensity of the flames lighting up the night sky, and large plumes of smoke rising over the mountains. For many travelers who rely on the Coquihalla, it came as a sudden disruption. The highway is not only one of the busiest links between the Lower Mainland and the Interior, but also a lifeline for commercial traffic, goods, and services.
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Authorities quickly stepped in to direct drivers away from the area. Detours were set up, but alternative routes were already congested and, in some places, impacted by their own fire risks. Officials warned that travel delays would be long, and urged anyone on the road to be patient and to stay safe. At the same time, emergency crews remained focused on protecting surrounding communities and containing the fire as much as possible.
The closure has highlighted just how vulnerable the province’s infrastructure can be when wildfires strike. The Coquihalla has faced shutdowns before, but every time it happens, the impact is felt across the region. Trucking schedules are thrown off, supply chains are slowed, and families find themselves separated or stranded. For locals, it’s another reminder of how unpredictable fire season can be in B.C., especially when dry conditions and shifting winds work against firefighters’ efforts.
Updates have been coming in steadily from both the provincial government and highway officials. Travelers have been asked not to attempt the route until further notice, and to check official channels for the latest information. While no injuries have been reported so far, the priority continues to be safety—both for those fighting the fire on the front lines and for anyone who might be passing through the affected area.
As of now, there’s no clear timeline on when the Coquihalla will reopen. That will depend entirely on how quickly crews can get the Mine Creek wildfire under control and ensure the highway is safe for drivers again. Until then, patience, caution, and flexibility are being asked of everyone who depends on this vital stretch of road.
The shutdown serves as another stark reminder that wildfire season is far from over. In communities across B.C., people are watching closely, hoping that the flames can be contained soon and that one of the province’s most important highways can reopen without further damage.
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