Update: 9:30 p.m.
An evacuation alert is being issued by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District due to the Mine Creek wildfire.
The last update from BC Wildfire, at about 8 p.m., states the blaze is approximately 483 hectares.
The alert is in effect for approximately 84 addressed properties in Electoral Area “N” (Beautiful Nicola Valley – South).
Impacted areas are as follows:
- The community of Brookmere;
- All properties on Murray Lake and Maka-Murray FSR;
- All properties along the Coquihalla Hwy south of the Larson Hill exit (Exit 250) to the southern TNRD border at the Britton Creek Rest Area
- All areas as outlined on the map below
This evacuation alert is being issued to prepare those in the area to evacuate from their premises or property should “it be found necessary,” stated the TNRD.
“Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to an evacuation order; however, you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions,” said the TNRD in a press release.
The Coquihalla Highway remains closed between Hope and Merritt due to the wildfire.
For those on evacuation alert:
- Locate all family members and designate a meeting area outside the evacuation area, should an Evacuation Order be issued while separated.
- Pack essential items for quick departure, such as government-issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (e.g. insurance, credit, and mortgage information), and immediate care needs for dependents or pets. Pack keepsakes if time permits.
- Arrange to stay with family or friends (if possible).
- Prepare to move disabled persons, children and/ or neighbours, if assistance is needed.
- Prepare to take pets with you and move large animals and livestock to a safe area (if possible).
- If you are a livestock producer, ensure that you have your Premise ID if you require support if an Evacuation Order is issued.
- Arrange transportation for all your household members. Fill the gas tanks of personal vehicles to be used in case of an Evacuation Order.
- If transportation assistance is required, please contact the TNRD at 250-377-7188.
- For information on Evacuation Orders and locations of Reception Centres, refer to , , or TNRD social media accounts (, , ).
- To ensure you are getting the most timely and accurate Evacuation Alert and Order information, please use Voyent Alert! and subscribe to the TNRD. To register, visit: .
For more information and to access the interactive TNRD Emergency Map, visit: .
ORIGINAL:
The Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt is closed due to the Mine Creek wildfire reaching the road, says DriveBC.
The highway is closed in both directions as firefighters continue to respond to the blaze, which is now estimated to be 483 hectares in size as of 12:38 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 3.
Though BC Wildfire Service has not officially announced it on their website, drivers through the area have noted on social media that the fire has "burned the powerlines and has reached the road."
Located on the east side of the Coquihalla Highway, the fire was discovered on Sept. 1 and is highly visible from the roadway.
Coquihalla Highway closed due to Mine Creek wildfire
— 琉璃神社 (@琉璃神社CapNews)
The wildfire is believed to have been sparked by lightning and is approximately 44 kilometres northeast of Hope. According to BC Wildfire Service, the blaze is burning at Rank 3, meaning moderately vigorous surface fire.
"This incident is currently challenging our ability to safely deploy wildfire crews," BC Wildfire said in their update. "Public and responder safety is the number one priority of the BC Wildfire Service. There is no road access to the incident, and the steep slopes and rocky terrain also pose a threat to access and egress routes.
"This incident is being monitored closely, with multiple helicopter flights daily, and night vision helicopters available overnight, to assess its growth."
According to B.C. Wildfire Service, an out-of-control wildfire means it is either spreading or anticipated to spread beyond the current perimeter or control line.
To check on highway closures, visit
Residents can also receive updates at .
Updates to follow.
— With files from Jen Zielinski
