Entire B.C. Village Ordered to Evacuate as Wildfire Moves Closer

Officials have ordered the immediate evacuation of every building in Clinton, British Columbia, as the rapidly growing Pear Lake wildfire threatens the village and nearby properties.

Clinton is also located within a wider evacuation zone announced by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District. On Friday afternoon, the regional district expanded its order to include approximately 280 properties surrounding the village.

According to the 2021 census, Clinton had 568 residents and 291 private dwellings.

Highway 97 Closed as Residents Leave Clinton

Highway 97 has been shut down because of the wildfire, according to DriveBC. Everyone covered by the evacuation orders has been instructed to leave the affected area immediately.

A reception centre has been opened for evacuees at the McArthur Island Sport and Events Centre in Kamloops. The facility is located at 1655 Island Parkway.

People requiring accommodation, food or other essential assistance have been encouraged to create a B.C. Emergency Support Services profile through ess.gov.bc.ca.

Pear Lake Wildfire Exceeds 4,400 Hectares

The Pear Lake wildfire was first detected on July 17. It has since expanded to more than 4,400 hectares, equivalent to over 44 square kilometres.

Lightning is believed to have started the fire.

The B.C. Wildfire Service has classified the blaze as a “wildfire of note,” a designation used for highly visible fires, incidents threatening communities or wildfires generating significant public concern.

An incident management team has also been assigned to oversee the response.

Firefighting Resources Deployed

Emergency crews responding to the wildfire include:

• 53 wildfire personnel
• 15 helicopters
• 19 pieces of heavy equipment
• 11 structure-protection personnel

The B.C. Wildfire Service warned that warm and dry conditions could result in stronger fire activity and continued growth.

During the night of July 23, the eastern side of the wildfire displayed Rank 4 fire behaviour. This involved an organised flame front, periods of fire spreading through tree crowns and a rapid rate of movement.

Southwesterly winds also pushed the flames eastward into the valley.

Clinton Mayor Urges Residents to Remain Calm

Clinton Mayor Roland Stanke said local residents have gained considerable experience dealing with wildfire emergencies.

He explained that this was the community’s third major evacuation experience and that residents generally understood the required procedures.

Stanke said protecting residents remained the village’s main priority. He encouraged everyone to remain calm, follow official instructions and stay informed about changing conditions.

Evacuation Instructions for Clinton Residents

The Village of Clinton advised residents to collect only essential belongings that were immediately accessible. Pets should be transported in carriers, kennels or on leashes.

Residents were instructed to close gate latches without locking them so emergency crews could access properties if necessary.

Officials also warned that electricity may be interrupted inside evacuation areas. Households were encouraged to consider how power outages could affect appliances and perishable food.

Residents were told not to switch off their natural gas connections. FortisBC will shut down gas services wherever necessary.

People with available space in their vehicles were encouraged to assist neighbours requiring transportation. Officials also asked households to limit the number of vehicles used during the evacuation to reduce traffic congestion.

Residents unable to arrange transport were advised to contact the village to reserve a seat on one of the buses travelling to the community hall.

Thousands of B.C. Properties Face Wildfire Threats

As of Friday afternoon, approximately 1,200 properties across British Columbia were under evacuation orders, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.

Another 6,400 properties were under evacuation alerts, meaning residents needed to remain prepared to leave at short notice.

The B.C. Wildfire Service reported 112 active wildfires across the province. Sixty were classified as out of control, while seven had been identified as wildfires of note.

The Pear Lake wildfire continues to present a serious threat to Clinton and surrounding areas.

With the blaze exceeding 4,400 hectares and conditions supporting further growth, residents have been urged to evacuate immediately, follow emergency guidance and monitor official updates.

Firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment remain deployed as crews work to protect people, homes and critical infrastructure.