Coquihalla Highway among major B.C. routes closed for wildfires
Posted on: Sep 04, 2025 05:57 IST | Posted by: Cbc
Wildfires unopen land 2 vital B.C highways on wed.
The Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) between Hope and Merritt, connecting the Lower Mainland with the Interior, was closed late Wednesday afternoon due to the nearby Mine Creek wildfire.
Highway 20, east of Bella Coola in the Central Coast region and west of Anahim Lake in the Cariboo area, has also been closed due to a separate wildfire. No immediate detour was posted on DriveBC, and the next update is expected Thursday morning.
Wildfires burning in B.C. Have led to poor air quality across the province, with smoky conditions expected to linger in many regions for at least a few days, and impacts already being felt on transportation routes.
⛔️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCHwy5?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BCHwy5</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coquihalla?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coquihalla</a> Highway remains closed in both directions between <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HopeBC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HopeBC</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Merritt?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Merritt</a> due to wildfire activity. No estimated time of reopening. Alternate route via <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCHwy1?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BCHwy1</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCHwy3?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BCHwy3</a>. <br><br>Commercial vehicles are not to use <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCHwy8?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BCHwy8</a>. <a href="https://t.co/69XekFcmbr">https://t.co/69XekFcmbr</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fx8l7Q9Cth">pic.twitter.com/Fx8l7Q9Cth</a>
DriveBC first tweeted about the closure to the Coquihalla Highway just before 4 p.m. PT on Wednesday, and the stretch is closed in both directions from Merritt to Hope.
Officials say that drivers on the route should expect delays. They've been advised to detour via Highway 1 or Highway 3.
The closure comes as the nearby Mine Creek fire continues to burn out of control, having grown to 483 hectares since it was discovered Monday.
On Monday, it covered an area just over 100 hectares, and it was suspected to have been sparked by lightning.
"The fire is located in an area that is really difficult for us to access and not safe for crews," she said Monday.
"There isn't a lot of road access due to the fires and floods of 2021 in the area."
An update from the wildfire service on Wednesday says that the fire is burning with a high intensity, saying it was burning to the tops of trees and extremely vigorously.
Embers from the fire were creating smaller spot fires ahead of the main fire, according to firefighters.
"The fire is currently threatening the Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5); at the recommendation of the Wildfire Service the Ministry of Transportation and Transit has closed down the highway at this time," the update read.
DriveBC said just after 5 p.m. PT that Highway 20, west of Anahim Lake in the Cariboo area, had been closed due to the Beef Trail Creek wildfire.
That wildfire resulted in evacuation orders for 150 parcels of land, and multiple First Nation reserves, in the Cariboo Regional District and Ulkatcho First Nation on Tuesday.
The next update is on the stretch is expected at 8 a.m. PT on Thursday.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.