Officials in Clinton, B.C., have ordered the evacuation of all of the village’s buildings due to the Pear Lake wildfire. The village, which had a population of 568 and 291 private dwellings as of the 2021 census, is in the centre of another evacuation order issued by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District due to the blaze. The TNRD order was expanded to cover approximately 280 properties in the area surrounding the village Friday afternoon. Highway 97 has also been closed due to the wildfire, according to DriveBC. Anyone subject to the evacuation orders must leave immediately. A reception centre for evacuees has been set up in Kamloops at the McArthur Island Sport and Events Centre, located at 1655 Island Pkwy. The Pear Lake wildfire was discovered on July 17 and has grown to more than 4,400 hectares, or more than 44 square kilometres in size. Lightning is the suspected cause. The blaze is considered a “wildfire of note,” and an incident management team has been assigned, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service. There are 53 wildfire fighting personnel responding to the incident, along with 15 helicopters, 19 pieces of heavy equipment and 11 structure protection personnel. In its update on the blaze Friday, the BCWS said it expected further growth and an increase in fire activity throughout the day due to warm and dry conditions. “Last night, July 23, the Pear Lake exhibited Rank 4 fire behaviour along the east flank, meaning an organized flame front with intermittent crown fire and a fast rate of spread,” the update reads. “Southwest winds pushed fire growth east into the valley.” Clinton Mayor Roland Stanke says, unfortunately, village residents have become accustomed to fire season. “This is our third rodeo, so we’re pretty well calm,” Stanke said. “We’re well versed in this, and we know what we’re doing.” He added his main priority is keep everyone safe. “That’s the important part,” he said. “It’s to stay calm and to stay informed.” The Village of Clinton advised evacuees to take critical items only if they are immediately available and to transport pets in kennels or on leash. “Close gate latches, but do not lock gates,” the evacuation order reads. “Power is often lost in evacuation areas; consider how to manage perishable foods and appliances within your home. Do not turn off your natural gas. FortisBC will turn off natural gas service as needed.” The village advised residents to take neighbours needing transportation with them, if possible, and to avoid using more vehicles than necessary to leave the area. Those in need of transportation were advised to call the village to secure a place on one of the buses that were headed to the community hall to assist with the evacuation. Evacuees needing assistance with lodging, food or essentials were advised to set up a B.C. Emergency Support Services profile online at ess.gov.bc.ca. As of Friday afternoon, there were approximately 1,200 properties on evacuation order across the province, with another 6,400 on evacuation alert, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. The B.C. Wildfire Service reported 112 active wildfires, 60 of which were considered out of control. Seven of those were designated wildfires of note, meaning they’re causing “increased levels of interest” because they’re highly visible, threatening communities, or both.
