TNRD planning evacuation of 70 Mile House

“This Order is not expected to impact South Green Lake, which will remain on Evacuation Alert.”

If you are in the impacted area, you should not leave until the Evacuation Order comes into effect if you need emergency supports.

“After 10:00 am tomorrow (July 27), Emergency Support Services (ESS) will be available for residents affected by the Evacuation Order. ESS can provide temporary assistance, including accommodation, food, and other basic supports,” said the TNRD.

“If people choose to evacuate before 10:00 am on Monday the 27th, they will not be eligible for ESS supports until the Order officially comes into place. Based on current fire activity, there is no need to leave the area today (July 26).”

Late Saturday (July 25), the Fiftynine Creek and Pear Lake wildfires combined, with the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) reporting a total size of 66,871.2 hectares.

“The Pear Lake (C40983) and the Fiftynine Creek (C40897) wildfires combined and did impact Highway 97 at Chasm yesterday (July 25) evening,” said the BCWS.

“We are working with BC Hydro for necessary work along the highway corridor where it is safe to do so. The fire is very active this morning and progressing north/northeast of the Chasm area.”

In a statement in Sunday (July 26), the Village of Clinton said no additional structures were lost, but the wildfire is still active and poses a threat to the community.

“The Village is working closely with BC Hydro, FortisBC, Telus, and other essential service providers to coordinate access for crews to assess critical infrastructure,” said the Village of Clinton.

“At this time, conditions remain unsafe for staff and utility crews to conduct rapid damage assessments, but planning is underway to complete these assessments as soon as it is safe to do so.”

The TNRD and the Village of Clinton also have Evacuation orders in place in response to the aggressive wildfire.

Evacuation Alerts are also in place for properties in the surrounding area in the both the TNRD and the Cariboo Regional District.

While firefighters got a brief reprieve due to milder temperatures and higher humidity, the fire is expected to get more aggressive at the week progresses.

“We anticipate further fire growth today (July 26). More smoke is likely to be observed in the following days, particularly in the afternoon and evening periods,” said the BCWS.

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

by Elora McCormack

TNRD planning evacuation of 70 Mile House

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