- Nearly 1,500 properties are now under evacuation order in the Loon Lake area of B.C. due to the Pear Lake wildfire.
- The Thompson-Nicola Regional District added approximately 375 properties to the existing evacuation order, which now covers nearly 1,500 properties.
- Officials warned that gusty winds could increase the risk of aggressive fire behavior as the Pear Lake wildfire continues to expand.
- The Pear Lake wildfire has grown to an estimated 73,217.11 hectares and has resulted in multiple evacuation orders.
- A planned ignition west of Highway 97 was successful in capping the fire's north end, although a further burn was cancelled due to poor wind conditions.
- The Pear Lake fire surged about a week ago, prompting rapid damage assessments that found dozens of properties affected.
- BC Hydro estimated that power restoration in Clinton could take about two weeks due to significant damage to electrical infrastructure.
The Pear Lake wildfire has expanded significantly, now covering 73,217.11 hectares and prompting evacuation orders for nearly 1,500 properties in the Loon Lake area. The Thompson-Nicola Regional District added approximately 375 properties to an existing order, raising concerns for residents' safety.24
Officials have warned that gusty winds could lead to aggressive fire behavior, with winds expected to reach 30 to 40 kilometers per hour. Colton Davies, an information officer, noted that rapid damage assessments revealed dozens of properties affected, with ongoing evaluations hampered by fire activity.
The fire is part of the Big Bar complex, which has forced multiple evacuation orders and alerts. The Cariboo Regional District has also issued an order covering about 366 parcels of land. Residents are urged to evacuate immediately if ordered, as the situation remains critical.
Clinton Mayor Roland Stanke reported ongoing power outages, with BC Hydro estimating restoration could take up to two weeks due to significant damage to infrastructure. Early assessments identified about 230 damaged or destroyed distribution poles and 200 transmission poles, complicating recovery efforts.8
As the wildfire continues to threaten communities, officials emphasize the need for residents to heed evacuation orders and stay informed about the evolving situation.
“The fire is now estimated at 73,217 hectares and has forced eight evacuation orders and three alerts. BC Hydro says about 1,100 customers remain without power in Clinton, with restoration possible within two weeks and hundreds of damaged poles.”
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