Bowers Lake fire (Image Credit: BC Wildfire Service)

By James Peters

Wildfire Situation

Group of Bridge Lake-area fires draws dozens of firefighters; Coquihalla fire grows

Sep 2, 2025 | 4:10 PM

KAMLOOPS — A wildfire burning next to the Coquihalla Highway has more than doubled in size.

The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) says the Mine Creek fire between Merritt and Hope has ballooned to 275 hectares as of Tuesday afternoon (Sept. 2).

In an update to its website, BCWS says the fire is burning at Rank 4, meaning a “highly vigorous surface fire with torching.”

The lightning-caused fire was discovered on Monday and is not yet threatening any structures. It is highly visible to travellers on the Coquihalla Highway.

Further north, the Witches Brook fire discovered Monday west of Logan Lake is now being held.

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A trio of fires continues to burn north of Bridge Lake, roughly halfway between 100 Mile House and Clearwater.

A total of 43 firefighters are battling the Windy Creek (8 ha), Cougar Lake (14 ha) and Bowers Lake (15 ha) fires. Aerial and heavy equipment resources are helping on all three.

None of the fires is threatening structures and all are believed to have been sparked by lightning.

Windy Creek fire. (Image Credit: BC Wildfire Service)