Wildfires, crashes impact B.C. Southern Interior highways

Ongoing wildfire strife as well as at least one crash affected B.C. Interior highways and motorists are being advised by the province to check Drive BC and take precautions before they embark on any road trips.

“Non-essential travel to and within fire-affected areas is discouraged to help avoid traffic congestion on evacuation routes,” a ministry spokes person said in a press release.

“If people must travel on Interior highways adjacent to wildfires, drivers should ensure they are prepared for possible delays or closures. Travel with a full tank of gas, food, water and other emergency supplies.”

The ministry also said for the sake of safety and to ensure firefighting efforts are not impeded, drivers should not stop along the highway but instead travel directly to their destinations.

Of the notable closures in the last 24 hours, southbound lanes of the Coquihalla Highway in Merritt reopened early Monday, hours after being shut down after a fiery semi truck crash.

The Sunday night crash blocked the route after a tractor-trailer smashed into the centre median and burst into flames Sunday afternoon. Southbound traffic was stopped at Coldwater Road for hours and motorists were waylaid.

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Drive BC said that there should be an expectation of delays on the route.

In the Kootenays, Highway 6 is  closed in both direction for a wildfire between 2nd Street and Enterprise Creek for 11.2 kilometres.

There is no estimated time of opening and a detour via Highway 31A, Hwy 31, Hwy 3A is in effect, though it could cause an extra hour for drive time.

Additionally, Highway 1 is closed between Spences Bridge to west of Cache Creek due to willdfire.

In the Cariboo, Highway 26 is closed eastbound from Wells to Barkerville due to a wildfire between Pooley Street and Barkerville Highway that spans 7.4 kilometres. Drive BC said a detour not available, nor is an estimated time of opening.