UPDATE: 8:30 a.m. Sept. 5
Hwy. 1 south of Yale has reopened to single lane alternating traffic as vehicle recovery is being conducted after this morning’s serious accident. DriveBC says to expect delays and to watch for traffic control. Highway 1 is open to traffic
UPDATE: 11:30 a.m. Sept. 5
The Coquihalla Highway has reopened for traffic after being closed for the last two days as a result of the Mine Creek wildfire on both sides of the highway. BC Wildfire crews and equipment continue to work the wildfire.
The Ministry of Transportation says it is closely monitoring the situation and warns that the highway could close again with little warning due to the fire’s proximity. Drivers are cautioned not to stop in the fire zone and are also being warned that visibility in the area remains poor due to wildfire smoke. It added that cellphone coverage is down along sections of the highway. Intermittent lane closures will occur as crews assess roadside damage.
DriveBC is additionally advising that several exits closed and repeats the “no stopping permitted,” along with the fact no washroom facilities available. It’s also advising to watch for increased presence of wildlife. The Zopkios Brake Check is open.
_____________________________
ORIGINAL STORY
Hwy. 1 closure near Yale compounds Coquihalla closure
By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
Another key transportation link in the BC interior has been closed after BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) announced Highway 1 will stay closed just south of Yale for the remainder of the day as a result of a serious accident early this morning.
The BCHP said the road will remain closed as it investigates and looks for more witnesses. The collision happened just after 6 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 5, when a tractor-trailer and a pickup truck collided head-on. The driver of the tractor-trailer is unhurt, but the driver of the pickup has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.
“We are making progress in this investigation, but we need more witnesses and dash camera video to get a complete picture of what happened,” says Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol.
Both north south routes of Hwy. 1 and Hwy. 5 are currently closed.
DriveBC image
“It’s also critical that drivers are as patient as possible despite multiple highway closures in the area. We understand that major highway shutdowns cause major inconvenience, but we don’t want anyone else to get hurt.”
The closure follows that of Highway 5 between Hope and Merritt which has now stretched into its third day as a result of the “out of control” fast-growing Mine Creek wildfire which continues to burn on both sides of the highway.
“The fire is currently threatening the Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5); at the recommendation of the BC Wildfire Service the Ministry of Transportation and Transit has closed down the highway at this time.”
Currently the only north south access from the lower mainland northwards will be Highway 99 through Whistler and Lillooet or alternatively Highway 3 Hope to Princeton and north to Merritt via Highway 5A.
The wildfire has triggered two evacuation orders and two evacuation alerts as of the morning of Sept. 5.
Overview of the Mine Creek wildfire looking northwest.
BC Wildfire Service photo
In its latest update on Friday, Sept. 5 at 7 a.m. the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) said the is displaying Rank 2 fire behaviour at valley bottom, indicating a low vigour surface fire.
At higher elevations, the fire is displaying Rank 4 fire behaviour on the west flank, meaning a highly vigorous surface fire with torching, or passive crown fire. There is still the potential for fire behaviour to increase throughout the day, it added.
Tonight, the area remains under hazy and smoky skies. There is a risk of lightening in the area, along with increased wind which may influence fire behaviour. Crews continue to conduct indirect attack to establish control lines with a focus on infrastructure protection.
Access to this fire has been challenging due to multiple bridges being washed out in the area from previous flooding, the BCWS said.
An Incident Management Team will assume command of this incident today (Sept. 5). Currently 23 firefighting personnel are on the ground along with helicopters bucketing the fire and structural protection units are also responding.
The wildfire was discovered on Sept. 1, now covers 1,900 ha and was believed to have started by lightening strikes.
Mine Creek wildfire located just south of the Coldwater River Park on both sides of the highway.
BC Wildfire Service map
For more information on highway closures please visit DriveBC.
For more information on the Mine Creek wildfire visit the BC Wildfire Service.
Additionally, the BC Highway Patrol is asking the public for any information including dash-camera video of the events leading up to the collision in Yale to call the BC Highway Patrol – Chilliwack at 604-702-4039 and quote file (1501) 2025-38115.
