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2w ago

Smoke Blankets B.C. as Wildfires Surge and Mine Creek Blaze Shuts Coquihalla

Officials warn of worsening smoke within 72 hours given persistent heat, drought, lightning risk.

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Smoke from the Mine Creek wildfire burning between Hope and Merritt, B.C., is seen in this handout photo, on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout- BC Wildfire Service (Mandatory Credit)
An early season hot spell set a number of new temperature records in B.C. and Alberta over the past few days, including Lytton, B.C. where the mercury hit 39.3 C on Sunday, making it the hottest spot in the country, breaking a record set two years ago.
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Overview

  • About 150 to 160 wildfires are burning across B.C., with officials reporting a sharp late‑season uptick after thousands of lightning strikes and prolonged dry conditions.
  • Metro Vancouver issued an air‑quality warning and Environment Canada expanded bulletins to more than 30 areas, with haze expected to linger in many regions until Friday.
  • The Mine Creek wildfire north of Hope grew to roughly 1,900 hectares and forced the closure of the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt.
  • Lytton reached 40 C, breaking its daily record as heat warnings held for nine regions, and additional daily highs were set in Cache Creek, Kelowna, Princeton and Whistler.
  • Health authorities urge residents to limit outdoor exertion, use indoor air filtration and wear well‑fitted respirators if working outside, as schools moved activities indoors and WorkSafeBC cautioned employers to protect outdoor workers.