A massive wildfire—the Mine Creek Fire—continues to blaze near Merritt, British Columbia, forcing the closure of the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt. The blaze, now spanning 483 hectares and classified as out-of-control, rages amid a late-season heatwave with temperatures soaring to 38.7 °C today. Officials warn of worsening conditions and ongoing elevated fire risk through the weekend, fueled by record heat, lightning-sparked starts, and dry fuels
