Officials have broadened evacuation directives concerning the largest wildfire in British Columbia. The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District recently extended an evacuation order to encompass properties adjacent to Highway 99 in the Marble Canyon area, south of the Pear Lake wildfire. Similarly, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District expanded an evacuation order along Highway 99, located west of the Highway 97 junction. The combined expanded orders now affect close to 200 properties. Additionally, the Ts’kw’aylaxw First Nation issued evacuation orders for several reserves.
In parallel, all three governing bodies have increased evacuation alerts. The Pear Lake wildfire has scorched over 1,647 square kilometers, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service, leading to structural destruction on more than 120 properties, predominantly around Clinton. The fire is most active along its western and southern boundaries. Currently, British Columbia is contending with nearly 130 active wildfires, with 45 of them categorized as out of control.
Recently, residents of Clinton were permitted to return home, although evacuation orders persist for properties west of the village due to the Pear Lake Wildfire. Meanwhile, Summerland residents are gradually being allowed back, with a boil water notice in effect for the district. The provincial state of emergency related to wildfires has been extended by the B.C. government until at least August 29.
