Travel advisory remains In effect on Coquihalla between Hope and Merritt

Drive BC is warning motorists to be cautious when heading on the Coquihalla from Merritt to Hope this morning as a travel advisory remains in effect.

We are expecting an update this morning. There’s limited visibility with smoke between Exit 231: Mine Creek Rd and Exit 250: Larson Hill.

Several exits are closed, and there are no washroom facilities available. Motorists are urged to watch for an increased presence of wildlife.

The last report on Sunday night showed the Mine Creek Wildfire has grown to over 3000 hectares in size since being discovered on Sept 1 and remains listed as out of control.

Meanwhile, air quality in much of the province is expected to improve today as the BC Wildfire Service says smoke near active fires should become more localized.The provincial report says we should expect slightly cooler and “unsettled” weather in the central and southern Interior, where local downpours are possible.

Special air quality statements are in place across much of the province, warning of the health risks from increased smoke levels.As of Sunday night, the BC Wildfire Services reported 140 active wildfires in the province, with 50 considered out of control.