CRD downgrades evacuation alerts near Pear Lake wildfire

However, the CRD said the danger from the fire has not completely subsided.

“An Evacuation Alert or Order may need to be reissued if it is deemed necessary. Residents must be prepared if the area receives a future evacuation order or alert on short notice. Residents are advised to ensure they maintain their emergency kits and monitor the EOC and BC Wildfire’s social media pages to stay informed,” said CRD officials.

Meantime, the Bonaparte (St’uxwtéws) First Nation has downgraded its evacuation order for IR No. 1 and 2 to an alert, allowing residents to return home for the first time since August 11, 2026.

The evacuation alerts for IR No. 3 and No. 4 have been rescinded.

This comes as firefighters battling the Pear Lake wildfire take advantage of weekend rain and humidity.

The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) said crews are working to snuff out what remains of the fire in the northeast, near 70 Mile House and Green Lake.

“Crews remain active in the area, monitoring and mopping up hot spots along the northern containment line. This work is guided by infrared scans, which are completed at night to help crews efficiently and effectively locate and action hotspots around the perimeter,” said the BCWS.

“Mop-up is the final, labour-intensive stage of wildland fire suppression where firefighters physically extinguish or remove smoldering materials near the fire’s perimeter. Smoke from unburnt fuel igniting within the fire perimeter will continue to be visible.”

However, the reprieve will be short-lived, with hot, dry weather expected to return.

“Precipitation remains a possibility throughout the morning (Aug 23), tapering off into the afternoon and there is no forecasted potential for thunderstorms today,” said the BCWS.

“Tomorrow (Aug 24) we start back into a warming and drying trend.”

BCWS crews continue to work in other areas of the blaze, including the northwest, Chasm, Big Bar Road, Clinton and along the southern flank.

On Saturday (Aug. 22), an increase in fire activity along the southern flank prompted the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) and the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) to expand their evacuation response.

by Elora McCormack

CRD downgrades evacuation alerts near Pear Lake wildfire

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