News release

Coquihalla highway closed between Hope and Merritt

April 21, 2026 - Merritt, British Columbia
From: Merritt RCMP

Content

File: 2026-2045

On April 20, 2026, police responded to a report of a fully engulfed semi trailer on the Coquihalla Highway near the Coldwater Road exit, which resulted in a wildfire and the closure of the highway in both directions.

At approximately 9:06 p.m., police received a 911 call reporting a semi trailer on fire on the northbound lanes of the Coquihalla Highway. Frontline officers attended and located a trailer fully engulfed in flames on the right shoulder of the roadway that ignited the adjacent forested areas and starting a wildfire.

BC Wildfire Service was notified and attended to suppress the fire. Due to safety concerns, the Coquihalla Highway was shutdown in both directions between Hope and Merritt.

Motorists are reminded to avoid the area and to monitor DriveBC for the most up-to-date road information.

Contacts