Work continues to secure Clinton, but no timeline for residents to return

Village officials said repair and restoration work on the community’s water infrastructure is still ongoing.

“Work to remove danger trees around the water treatment plant continues. Crews are also checking the upper reservoir, water pipes and other parts of the water system for debris or damage caused by the wildfire,” said the Village.

“Crews are testing the water and flushing pipes throughout the system. Further inspections and testing will continue with support from technical specialists and partner agencies.”

However, the wildfire and related related hazards continue to pose a threat to the community and the surrounding areas.

“Crews remain engaged on all sides of the Village of Clinton, extinguishing hotspots, removing fuels that are still available to burn and thoroughly mopping up to limit the potential for future spread within the townsite,” said the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).

“Structure protection personnel and crews continue to patrol properties in the southwest side of the village, actioning hot spots and mopping up as the incoming weather system brings greater potential for increased activity.”

The BCWS said the fire has grown to 146,880.74 hectares (about 1,469 square kilometres), with growth driven by dry conditions.

“Fuels are highly receptive after a week of hot, dry weather, and the fire continues to grow outward wherever there is fuel to carry it, rather than being pushed hard in one direction by wind. We expect this pattern to hold over the next three to five days: active days with isolated pockets flaring up in receptive fuels, but without the large, wind-driven runs seen when winds are stronger,” said the BCWS.

This comes after a fire near Summerland in the Okanagan ripped through the area on Friday, triggering the B.C. government to declare a state of emergency.

by Elora McCormack

Work continues to secure Clinton, but no timeline for residents to return

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