Shoihet said an update will be provided when available.
This highway closure was reported about five minutes before DriveBC said that the Coquihalla had reopened south of Merritt after an earlier closure that was caused by a semi-truck fire.
That semi fire – in the southbound lanes of the highway – was reported just after 6:00 p.m. Friday (Sept. 5). That closure came about six hours after the highway reopened following a nearly two day closure due to the Mine Creek fire.
It’s not clear what caused this semi fire, but video shared on social media showed a thick plume of black smoke billowing from the back of the semi, which was mostly engulfed in flames. A small wildfire that was sparked by the side of the highway is under control, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
As well, DriveBC is also reporting that the Southern Yellowhead Highway (Highway 5) is closed in both directions about two kilometres south of Tete Jaune Cache due to a vehicle fire.
Details remain limited, but Valemount Mayor Owen Torgerson took to social media to plead with drivers to use caution, to slow down and to respect first responders and traffic management personnel.
Torgerson also said temporary road markings are in place in the area.
You can find the latest updates on the Coquihalla south of Kamloops here and the Southern Yellowhead HIghway near Valemount here.