Coquihalla (FVRD/MOT) – SEPTEMBER 5 UPDATE – The Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) between Hope and Merritt has reopened in both directions following a closure caused by the Mine Creek wildfire.
Due to the proximity of the fire, drivers should be prepared for the Coquihalla Highway to be closed with minimal notice. Drivers are advised to not stop in the fire zone.
Intermittent lane closures can be expected as crews continue to assess and repair roadside damage, and visibility is reduced due to wildfire smoke. 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.
Cellphone coverage in the area has also been affected by the fire, with no coverage on sections of the highway.
With the evacuation order in place, the Britton Creek and Coquihalla Lakes washroom facilities are closed, as are the Juliet, Mine Creek and Falls Lake exits.
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. Additional signage along the highway will warn drivers of reduced visibility and the increased risk of wildlife.
Drive with caution, ensure headlights are on, obey signage and watch for crews working in the area. For up-to-date information about this closure and road conditions on alternative routes, follow @DriveBC on social media or visit DriveBC: https://drivebc.ca
SEPTEMBER 4 ORIGINAL STORY – An Evacuation Order has been issued by the Fraser Valley Regional District due to immediate danger to life safety caused by the Mine Creek Wildfire in the Coquihalla Summit area.
EOC Public Information Line at 778-704-0400
Further information will be issued as it becomes available. Please visit fvrd.ca/EOC or
https://www.facebook.com/FraserValleyRD for updates.
This Evacuation Order is effective as of 6:00 pm on September 4, 2025, and is in effect for the following areas:
The lands identified below located at or near the Coquihalla Summit area of BC Highway 5:
Coquihalla Summit Snowmobile Club site, Tulameen Forest Service Road
Coquihalla Lakes Lodge, 35600 Coquihalla Lakes Rd
All properties on Murray Lake and Maka-Murray FSR
All properties along the Coquihalla Highway south of the Larson Hill exit (Exit 250) to the southern TNRD border at the Britton Creek Rest Area
The Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area north to the boundary of the TNRD.
YOU MUST LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY
A person must not enter the areas identified above and in the attached map for purposes of residing, occupying or visiting.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
· If you have homeowner, business or tenant insurance, contact your insurance provider to arrange for living expenses such as accommodation and food.
· Close all windows and doors.
· Close gates (latch) but do not lock.
· Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbor or someone needing transportation. Do take travel trailers if they can be used to shelter your household members.
· Take critical items (e.g., medicine, wallet, insurance policy number/contact) only if they are immediately available. Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
· Receive FVRD emergency alerts by downloading Alertable on your mobile device, or registering to receive critical alerts by text, email, or phone at fvrd.ca/alerts
