A semi-trailer caught on fire on the Coquihalla Highway on Friday evening, March 20. (Image Credit: Coquihalla Road Reports / Facebook)

By Alyssa Conti

Vehicle Fire

Traffic delayed after semi fire on Coquihalla Highway Friday evening

Mar 21, 2026 | 8:33 AM

COQUIHALLA HIGHWAY — Traffic is still reduced for more than 12 hours since a big rig lit ablaze on a section of the Coquihalla Highway, near the Great Bear Snowshed’s summit.

Just before 7 p.m. on Friday, March 21, drivers shared that a semi-trailer was on fire on Highway 5 just past Mine Creek Road, heading from Hope to Merritt.

DriveBC posted about a closure on the northbound right lane between Mine Creek and Juliet Road at 8 p.m. due to a vehicle fire, and video from social media showed crews working as the semi still burned over an hour after initial reports.

The traffic agency has since updated that the fire still has the right lane blocked.

Drivers are asked to watch for traffic control while crews work to recover the vehicle.

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Updated information is available online through DriveBC.