UDATE: 6 p.m.
The Coquihalla has reopened southbound after a tractor-trailer hauling wood ignited in the far right lane.
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UPDATE: 3 p.m.
The Coquihalla remains closed southbound after a tractor-trailer hauling wood ignited in the far right lane.
DriveBC now reports the estimated time of opening is 4 p.m. with an additional update expected at 3:30 p.m.
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UPDATE: 1:15 p.m.
Highway 5 remains closed southbound after a tractor-trailer hauling wood ignited in the far right lane.
DriveBC reports the highway remains closed with no estimated time of opening as an assessment is still in progress.
No further updates are expected until 3 p.m.
The BC Wildfire Service reports they have crews on scene fighting the fire, including a helicopter bucketing the blaze from above.
Detours are available via Highway 8 to Highway 1 and Highway 5A to Highway 3.
UPDATE – #BCHWY5 closed southbound at Exit 202 Portia Interchange due to a vehicle incident.
Next update 3:00 PMhttps://t.co/aLb7rzkLes— Drive BC (@DriveBC) August 29, 2017
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UPDATE: Noon
The BC Wildfire Service is on scene battling a small grass fire along the side of the Coquihalla highway.
The fire ignited after a tractor-trailer hauling wood caught ablaze and sparked grass in the nearby ditch.
The BC Wildfire Service reports they have crews on scene fighting the fire, including a helicopter bucketing the blaze from above.
The fire is a not showing aggressive behaviour, ranked as a one or a smouldering ground fire.
The Coquihalla is closed southbound while crews handle the small blaze. DriveBC reports its next update is expected at 1 p.m.
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ORIGINAL: 11:30 a.m.
The Coquihalla is closed southbound near the Portia interchange after a tractor-trailer transporting pallets of plywood caught fire.
Crews are on scene and are fighting the blaze, which had spread to roadside grass.
The BC Wildfire Service is aware of the situation.
More details to come.
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