Village of Clinton ordered evacuated as Pear Lake fire grows eastward

Stanke said the village’s evacuation order affects approximately 650 people, and evacuees are being directed to the Emergency Support Services reception centre at McArthur Island in Kamloops. He added there are buses on standby to help transport people who may need additional assistance.

“We have extra RCMP coming in for security because Highway 97 dissects the town and there are always security issues,” Stanke added.

A section of Highway 97 through the Village of Clinton is currently closed to traffic as tactical evacuations are underway.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) has also expanded its evacuation order to include approximately 118 addressed properties in Electoral Area “E” (Bonaparte-Plateau). It notes approximately 58 properties west of Clinton and east of Kelly Lake were put on order last night, and that the new orders impact approximately 60 addressed properties, listed below:

6681 and 6697 26 Mile Frontage Rd;
7701 Clinton Station Rd;
7515 and 7583 Danielson Rd;
7228 to 7320 Elliot Park Way;
7737 and 8030 Fenton Rd;
6265 to 8193 Hwy 97;
866 Lagoon Court Rd;
825 to 985 McCall Rd;
35 and 70 Pavilion-Clinton Rd; and
Any other areas as outlined on this map.

(Image Credit: TNRD)

The TNRD has also issued an evacuation alert for approximately 11 addressed properties as follows:

5385 to 5665 Hwy 97; and
Any other properties as outlined on this map.

“Last night, 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 BC Wildfire Service said in an update just before 11:00 a.m. Friday (July 24). “Southwest winds pushed fire growth east into the valley.”

“As of this morning, July 24, the fire remains above the train tracks near Pear Lake and above the powerline right of way that runs along the base of the mountain.”

The BC Wildfire Service cautions crews working on the lightning-caused fire will continue to be challenged by hot and dry conditions and challenging terrain. While temperatures have cooled off slightly, an anticipated cold front is expected to lead to increased winds over the coming days.

“Winds are expected to be predominately south to southwest,” the BC Wildfire Service added. “We anticipate further fire growth and an increase in fire activity throughout the day as warm and dry conditions continue. More smoke is likely to be observed in the following days, particularly in the afternoon and evening periods.”

“Fuels remain heavily impacted by drought throughout the area and are highly susceptible to increased fire behaviour.”

For the latest evacuation orders and alerts in the TNRD, go here.

This is a developing story and more information will be provided once it’s available.

by Victor Kaisar

Village of Clinton ordered evacuated as Pear Lake fire grows eastward

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