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SUV ablaze on Coquihalla

UPDATE 7:55 P.M.

Highway 5 has reopened at Exit 286, Coldwater Interchange, South to Merritt. A 60 km/h speed limit is in effect at Caroline Mines Road 2 km south of Ladner Creek bridge


UPDATE 7:45 P.M.

Highway 5 remains closed southbound at Exit 286, the Coldwater Interchange, due to a forest fire. There is a detour available via Hwy 8 and Hwy 1. Estimated time of opening is currently unavailable, there is an  assessment in progress.

Next update at 9:00pm.


UPDATE 7 P.M.

Highway 5, the Coquihalla remains closed at this hour while forestry crews battle a wildfire near the side of the highway.

The blaze, which started from a car fire, is burning between Hope and the snowshed.

Provincial forestry crews are battling the five hectare fire with six firefighters, air takers and bucketing helicopters.

According to officials with the Coastal Forest Service, campers in the area voluntarily left the area.


UPDATE 6:15 p.m.

Drive BC reports Highway 5 is closed in both directions due to the vehicle fire.

The highway is closed at Exit 286, the Coldwater interchange, south of Merritt, where the vehicle fire has spread to the forest.

Detours are available via Highway 8 to Highway 1.

No estimated time of reopening is currently unavailable.

 


ORIGINAL 4:15 p.m.

A spectacular scene on the Coquihalla Highway this afternoon.

A plume of thick, black smoke could be seen for several miles coming from an SUV on fire at the side of the highway.

The vehicle fire was between the snowshed and Hope, and the northbound lanes are currently said to be closed.

there is no word on any potential injuries.

Viewers told Castanet the fire spread into the forest.

We will have more details if and when they become available.



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