- BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) is currently responding to 9 out of control fires across the Cariboo region as of July 24.
- An evacuation order has been issued for Clinton, B.C., due to the fast-growing Pear Lake wildfire.
- The entire Village of Clinton is subject to the evacuation order, as confirmed by the municipality.
- The Pear Lake wildfire has grown to approximately 44.7 square kilometres and is part of the Big Bar fire complex.
- The fire has exhibited aggressive behaviour and has been pushed eastward by winds.
- Clinton's Mayor Roland Stanke stated that the evacuation was ordered due to safety concerns regarding the Pear Lake wildfire becoming more aggressive.
- Evacuees are being directed to a reception centre in Kamloops at the McArthur Island Sport and Events Centre.
- The Pear Lake wildfire was discovered on July 17 and has since grown to more than 4,400 hectares.
- The fire is suspected to have been caused by lightning.
- The fire is classified as a wildfire of note, with an incident management team assigned to it.
The Pear Lake wildfire near Clinton, B.C., has escalated rapidly, leading to the evacuation of the entire village as of July 24. The fire, which has grown to approximately 4,472 hectares, is part of a larger complex of wildfires in the region.2468
Clinton Mayor Roland Stanke expressed concerns about the fire's aggressive behavior, stating, "Simply because of the Pear Lake wildfire becoming more aggressive than it had been in the past, and the Fiftynine Creek fire that is up by Big Bar, it is heading towards the highway up north."
The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) is currently managing nine out-of-control fires in the Cariboo Fire Centre, including the Fiftynine Creek wildfire, which spans 16,723 hectares. BCWS reported that the Pear Lake fire exhibited Rank 4 fire behaviour along its east flank, indicating a fast rate of spread due to southwest winds.
Evacuation orders have been issued for the entire Village of Clinton, with residents directed to a reception centre in Kamloops. The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has also expanded evacuation orders for surrounding areas, affecting a total of 118 properties outside the municipality.37
As the situation develops, BCWS anticipates further fire growth and increased activity due to warm and dry conditions. The agency has deployed numerous resources, including 53 firefighting personnel, 15 helicopters, and 19 pieces of heavy equipment to combat the blazes.
Residents are advised to take only critical items and to transport pets safely. The village has set up a system for those needing assistance with lodging and essentials to register online at ess.gov.bc.ca.
“The Pear Lake wildfire, discovered July 17, has grown to 4,472 hectares and is part of the Big Bar fire complex. The nearby Fiftynine Creek wildfire, at 16,723 hectares, threatens to merge with Pear Lake, according to Mayor Roland Stanke.”
