UPDATE 7/29 7 a.m.
The northbound lanes of the Coquihalla Highway reopened at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29.
The vehicle fire occurred close to exit 183 - Othello Road and was reported around 9 p.m. Monday night.
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The Coquihalla Highway is closed northbound near the Coldwater, Comstock area, about 18 km south of Merritt, after a semi-trailer caught fire, Monday evening.
Large flames and black smoke could be seen rising from the area at about 9 p.m.
The blaze spread to nearby brush, sparking a small grass fire that was quickly extinguished. BC Wildfire reported the blaze to be about 0.009 hectares in size; however, the fire is now under control and not projected to spread beyond the current perimeter.
There is currently no estimated time for the northbound lanes to reopen, and motorists are expected to experience heavy delays.
It’s unclear what led to the semi-trailer catching fire.
