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UPDATE: Highway 3 reopened to single-lane alternating traffic at 9 p.m.

A second motorist travelling Highway 3 took video of firefighting crews battling the fire near Hedley, B.C.

According to DriveBC and the B.C. Wildfire Service, the fire, approximately six kilometres south of Hedley, was sparked when a 40-foot wood chip trailer caught fire at the side of Highway 3. The flames quickly ignited trees beside the road and the blaze tore up the hillside.

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According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, helicopters and ground crews are battling the blaze. The fire is now said to be held at 2.3 hectares. Seven personnel are on the ground helping to douse the flames. No word when highway 3 will reopen. For now, it’s best to use detours around the Hedley area.

Smoke rises from a fire alongside Highway 3 near Hedley, B.C., on Wednesday afternoon. Jeff Martin / Global News

Clouds of steam rise as crews try to douse a fire alongside Highway 3 near Hedley, B.C., on Wednesday afternoon. Jeff Martin / Global News

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ORIGINAL STORY:

A motorist has told Global Okanagan that southbound traffic on Highway 3 near Hedley, B.C., has stopped because of a vehicle fire.

Further, that fire has now spread and was travelling up a nearby mountain slope.

A vehicle fire is believed to be the cause of a fire along Highway 3 near Hedley, B.C., on Wednesday afternoon. Heather Penno

The report seems to be accurate, as the B.C. Wildfire Service says it is investigating reports of a new fire east of Hedley on Highway 3. Further, DriveBC says Highway 3 near Hedley has been closed in both directions due to a vehicle fire.

We're responding to reports of a new #BCwildfire east of Hedley near #BCHwy3. Ground crews and air support are en route. More information will be provided as it becomes available. @DriveBC pic.twitter.com/aQSpHAcQl3 — BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) August 8, 2018

CLOSED – #BCHwy3 in both directions between #HedleyBC and #Keremeos due to vehicle fire. Crews on scene, use alternate route #Crowsnest — Drive BC (@DriveBC) August 8, 2018

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According to DriveBC, a trailer carrying wood chips caught fire, sparking the blaze.

Hi Michael, there is no estimated time of opening. A 40 foot trailer full of wood chips caught fire and then the trees beside the road went up. It may be a while. — Drive BC (@DriveBC) August 8, 2018