Smoke from the Mine Creek wildfire Wednesday, Sept. 3 (photo courtesy of the BCWS)

By Liam Verster

Mine Creek Wildfire

Coquihalla reopened, wildfire still burning

Sep 5, 2025 | 1:08 PM

The highway connecting the Interior with the coast has reopened.

The province said the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt reopened in both directions around 12:20 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5.

The highway had been closed due to the Mine Creek wildfire since .the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 3, when the flames jumped the highway.

“Intermittent lane closures can be expected as crews continue to assess and repair roadside damage, and visibility is reduced due to wildfire smoke,” the province said Friday.

“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.”

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The fire has impacted cell phone coverage on certain sections of the highway. The evacuation orders remained in place Friday, and the washroom facilities at Britton Creek, Coquihalla Lakes, and the Juliet, Mine Creek and Falls Lake exits remained closed.

“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,” the province added.

“Additional signage along the highway will warn drivers of reduced visibility and the increased risk of wildlife.”

As of the latest update Friday, the B.C. Wildfire Service said the Mine Creek wildfire was an estimated 1,900 hectares in size and classified as Out of Control.

The fire was suspected of being caused by lightning and the BCWS was responding with 23 firefighting personnel, bucketing helicopters, and structure protection teams.