@BC Wildfire Service

The Coquihalla Highway was closed in both directions between Hope, B.C., and Merritt on Wednesday due to wildfire activity. The BC Wildfire Service said the Mine Creek fire is threatening the highway and that the Ministry of Transportation had closed the route at its recommendation. The fire, which is burning about 44 km northeast of Hope, was last measured at 483 hectares in size, and is classified as out of control. It was first spotted on Monday, and officials believe it was sparked by lightning. The wildfire service has deployed structure protection units to protect critical infrastructure in the area, and is attacking the fire with bombers and helicopters.