A wildfire burning near Mine Creek, northeast of Hope, B.C., surged across the highway on September 3, 2025, after strong winds carried the flames forward. (B.C. Wildfire Service)
Two major highways in British Columbia closed Wednesday because of fast-moving wildfires. The Coquihalla Highway, which links Hope and Merritt, shut down late in the afternoon. The Mine Creek wildfire, burning just 44 kilometres northeast of Hope, forced the closure. Officials urged drivers to detour through Highway 1 or Highway 3.
The wildfire crossed the highway after strong winds pushed flames into new areas. By Wednesday evening, the blaze had spread to 483 hectares, up from just over 100 hectares on Monday. Fire crews believe lightning started it earlier this week.
Firefighting Efforts Continue
Taylor Stewart-Shantz, an information officer with the wildfire service, said the blaze grew quickly after winds picked up. "The good news is that as we head into September, our days are shorter and we are seeing OK recoveries overnight," she explained. Cooler evenings and higher humidity help slow the fire’s behaviour.
Crews used helicopters, ground teams, and structure protection specialists to fight the blaze. Despite their work, embers continued to spark smaller fires ahead of the main front. The wildfire service reported high-intensity flames reaching treetops.
Evacuation Orders and Alerts
At 8 p.m. Wednesday, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District issued an evacuation order for one property near the highway. Another 84 rural properties were placed under evacuation alert. An alert means residents must be ready to leave at short notice. An order means immediate evacuation.
Highway 20 Also Closed
Later in the evening, officials confirmed the closure of Highway 20. The Beef Trail Creek wildfire forced the shutdown west of Anahim Lake in the Cariboo area. That fire also led to evacuation orders covering 150 parcels of land. Multiple First Nation reserves, including Ulkatcho First Nation, received evacuation orders Tuesday.
Air Quality Worsens
The wildfires worsened air quality across much of B.C. Thick smoke settled in valleys and cities, and experts said the haze could remain for days. Drivers, residents, and travellers are being warned to prepare for delays and poor conditions.
