Critical Highway 1 Closures Impact Travel Across British Columbia Amid Wildfire Crisis

Major Transportation Disruptions Across British Columbia

Highway 1 is currently closed due to a vehicle incident south of Yale, with no immediate timeline for reopening. This closure comes at a particularly challenging time for British Columbia’s transportation network, as multiple incidents affect major routes across the province.

Wildfire Crisis Impacts Major Routes

The Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) remains closed in both directions between Hope and Merritt due to the out-of-control Mine Creek wildfire. The blaze, which is threatening the highway, is now measured at approximately 1,900 hectares and is burning about 44 kilometers northeast of Hope.

Evacuation Orders and Safety Measures

The Fraser Valley Regional District has issued evacuation orders for the Coquihalla Lakes Area, including the Coquihalla Lake Lodge and the Coquihalla Summit Snowmobile Club and Tulameen Forest Service Road. Additionally, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District has placed 84 properties in the Brookmere area on evacuation alert, while the Fraser Valley Regional District has issued alerts covering part of the Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area and land adjacent to Highway 5.

Weather Conditions Exacerbating Situation

British Columbia is experiencing a surge in new wildfire activity amid record-breaking late season temperatures and numerous lightning strikes. The province has hit all-time Canadian record levels for September, with temperatures reaching 40.8°C in Cache Creek on Wednesday, following Lytton’s 40°C record the previous day.

Travel Advisory

Motorists are being advised to use Highway 3 as an alternate route. Authorities remind drivers that while driving in the area of a wildfire, they should NOT STOP and should proceed through the area with caution, paying attention to all traffic control measures.