- Almost 110 active wildfires were burning in the province, with 48 considered out of control at the time of reporting.
- Evacuation orders have been issued by the Thompson-Nicola and Cariboo regional districts in front of the Pear Lake fire, which has grown to more than 900 square kilometres; more than 1,800 properties have been ordered evacuated from an area more than 70 kilometres long and 65 kilometres wide.
- The T’it’q’et First Nation, near Lillooet, issued an evacuation order overnight due to the Riley Creek Wildfire, covering T’it’q’et Indian Reserve #2, Towinock, and Indian Reserve #3, Kilchult.
- A cold front bringing strong winds and thunderstorms, with little to no rain, is expected to sweep over southern B.C. during the long weekend, fanning out-of-control wildfires that already threaten several communities.
- The BC Wildfire Service says the winds will lead to challenging firefighting conditions, and it’s likely new lightning-caused wildfires will start due to tinder-dry conditions.
A cold front is set to impact southern B.C. this long weekend, bringing strong winds and thunderstorms that could worsen the wildfire situation. The BC Wildfire Service warns that these conditions may lead to new lightning-caused wildfires due to the tinder-dry environment.56
Currently, over 1,800 properties have been evacuated across a region exceeding 70 kilometres in length and 65 kilometres in width. The evacuation orders primarily affect areas in the Thompson-Nicola and Cariboo regional districts, particularly near the Pear Lake fire, which has expanded to over 900 square kilometres.23
Additionally, the T’it’q’et First Nation has issued evacuation orders for regions affected by the Riley Creek Wildfire, impacting several Indian Reserves. As of now, almost 110 active wildfires are reported in the province, with 48 classified as out of control, creating significant challenges for firefighting efforts.14
The combination of strong winds and dry conditions poses a serious threat to both communities and firefighting resources, as officials brace for potentially worsening conditions over the weekend.
“The Pear Lake fire has grown to more than 900 square kilometres, with the Thompson-Nicola and Cariboo regional districts ordering properties evacuated across an area over 70 kilometres long. The T’it’q’et First Nation also issued an evacuation order overnight for the Riley Creek Wildfire near Lillooet.”
