Coquihalla Highway closed between Hope and Merritt due to wildfires

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Posted August 15, 2021 10:46 pm.

Last Updated August 17, 2021 12:21 pm.

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — The Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) remains shutdown between Hope and Merritt due to wildfires in the area.

DriveBC is telling drivers to use Highway 3 and Highway 5A to Merritt, and then Highway 5 as an alternate.

There’s still no word on when the highway will reopen but non-essential travel is being discouraged at this time.

READ MORE: Wildfires near Merritt, Kamloops, West Kelowna threaten homes, close Coquihalla

Evacuation alerts have been issued for many communities, including Merritt. Parts of Kamloops and West Kelowna are also on alert.

 

B.C. wildfires burn aggressively, force communities to evacuate
The wildfire situation in the Southern Interior is escalating tonight – with more communities being order to evacuate, while others are placed on alert.
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    This is a developing story. Check back for updates and read more here. 

    Editor’s note: This article has been updated to show Merritt has been issued an evacuation alert, not an order.

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