Coquihalla reopens between Hope and Merritt after nearly two day closure due to Mine Creek wildfire

The Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt has reopened as of noon Friday (Sept. 5).

The highway had been closed to all traffic since Wednesday (Sept. 3) afternoon as the Mine Creek fire flared up and jumped across the major highway as it grew towards the east.

“Due to the proximity of the fire, drivers should be prepared for the Coquihalla Highway to be closed with minimal notice,” the Ministry of Transportation and Transit said, in a statement. “Drivers are advised to not stop in the fire zone.”

The Ministry also warned that intermittent lane closures are possible as crews continue to assess and repair roadside damage caused by the fire. It also said visibility will be reduced because of wildfire smoke.

“Drivers should also be prepared for an increased risk of wildlife presence due to fire damage to wildlife-exclusion fencing on this section of highway,” the Province added.

“Cellphone coverage in the area has also been affected by the fire, with no coverage on sections of the highway.”

While the fire is still burning out of control at an estimated 19-square kilometres in size, the BC Wildfire Service has not been able to get an updated look at the fire perimeter because of poor visibility

The Wildfire Service did add that the fire is expected to have increased in size because of growth yesterday (Sept. 4).

“Crews remained onsite on this fire overnight conducting structure protection objectives,” the BC Wildfire Service said in an update Friday. “They were assisted by aerial resources until the visibility became too poor to continue flying.”

“Crews were reporting minimal fire activity throughout the overnight period, with it displaying Rank 1 and 2 fire behaviour, meaning a low vigour surface fire. With daytime heating we are expecting this fire to become more active again throughout the day today.”

Both the Thompson-Nicola and the Fraser Valley regional districts have issued evacuation orders and alerts in connection with this lightning-caused fire.

“With the evacuation order in place, the Britton Creek and Coquihalla Lakes washroom facilities are closed, as are the Juliet, Mine Creek and Falls Lake exits,” the Ministry statement said.

“The highway is being closely monitored, with ministry and maintenance-contractor staff on site to assess visibility and ensure the road remains safe for travel. Additional signage along the highway will warn drivers of reduced visibility and the increased risk of wildlife.”

The reopening of the Coquihalla comes as the Trans-Canada Highway between Hope and Yale has reopened with a single lane of alternating traffic after an earlier closure caused by a fiery head-on crash.

This is a developing story, and more information will be provided once it’s available.