BC Wildfire Service member conducting mop up on northeast flank (Image credit: BC Wildfire Service).

By Aaron Schulze

Mine Creek Wildfire

Mine Creek wildfire being held at 2,900 hectares

Sep 15, 2025 | 11:38 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Mine Creek wildfire burning along the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt is currently being held.

In an update Monday (Sept. 15), the BC Wildfire Service said it means the fire that briefly closed the highway earlier this month is expected to remain within its current boundary that is estimated to be a little over 2,900 hectares or 29 square kilometres in size.

Speaking to CFJC Today, BC Wildfire Service Information Officer Emelie Peacock says crews do not expected the fire to spread beyond its perimeter due to current fuel conditions, upcoming autumn conditions and the resources they have on site.

She adds crews have been directly attacking and mopping up priority areas on the north and south flanks of the fire. The lightning-caused fire was discovered on Sept. 1.

While the fire was previously estimated to be around 4,100 hectares in size, Peacock said crews were able to get a better estimate of the fire once the smoke cleared.

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“We’ve also had crews on the ground who walked the actual perimeter as well as they’re working and conducting direct attacks. So they give us coordinates,” Peacock said.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District rescinded its evacuation alert for 85 properties in Electoral Area “N” on Friday (Sept. 12). That same day, the Fraser Valley Regional District also lifted its evacuation alert for the Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area.

While the Coquihalla between Hope and Merritt is open to traffic, there is no stopping allowed on a section of the highway north of Coquihalla Summit due to limited visibility. A speed reduction is also in place, and drivers are asked to slow down and watch for wildlife.

Peacock says the area is still an active worksite, noting crews use the Coquihalla Highway to get to and from work. They’re also using nearby forest service roads to battle the fire.

“From now until we’re able to call this fire out, drivers will be seeing some form of fire activity from within the fire perimeter,” Peacock added. “Forest service roads are open outside the fire perimeter. However, we’re urging anyone who’s recreating or hunting in the area to be extremely careful.”

“There are a number of hazards that might be present on the landscape in areas that are impacted by wildfire, and the Mine Creek fire is still an active wildfire.”

The wildfire service has 46 firefighters, five helicopters and two pieces of heavy equipment responding to the Mine Creek wildfire.

As of Monday, there are nine active wildfires burning within the Kamloops Fire Centre. Of them, one is out of control, two are being held and five are under control.

As of noon Sunday, the fire danger rating for the Kamloops Fire Centre is mostly high.

Image credit: BC Wildfire Service