A devastating wildfire near Clinton, BC, has left a trail of destruction, with homes and structures reduced to twisted metal and charred remains, as residents wait to hear when it's safe to return and assess the damage, with the fire burning approximately 350 kilometres northeast of Vancouver, on Friday.

Wildfire Overview and Evacuation

The Pear Lake blaze, which has merged with the Fiftynine Creek fire, has spanned nearly 670 square kilometres, according to the BC Wildfire Service, with about 50 fires burning out of control across the province, and evacuation orders in place for areas around Clinton, including both sides of Highway 97, and lower-level alerts covering surrounding areas in the south Cariboo.

Chris Webster, whose father's property was destroyed in the fire, said his family was safe in Cache Creek, BC, about 40 kilometres south of Clinton, and waiting to hear when it's safe to return home, with his father, James Webster, having briefly returned to the property to assess the damage, and sharing a video showing the extent of the destruction.

Firefighting Efforts and Support

The BC Wildfire Service has welcomed 25 firefighting personnel from the Yukon to help battle the blazes, with another 66 personnel from Alberta set to arrive, and about 200 from Mexico expected to arrive next week, according to Jean Strong with the BC Wildfire Service, as crews respond to flare-ups and potential hot spots, with the fire still posing a threat to the community.

Premier David Eby has praised the work of firefighters in saving much of the village, and expressed his support for the affected residents, saying "our hearts go out to the people who are hearing that horrible news", with the province promising to stand by the community during the rebuilding process, as the wildfire season continues to pose a threat to many parts of the province.

What's Next and Precautions

The BC Conservation Officer Service has urged anyone planning a camping trip to review the latest fire restrictions, with campfire bans in place in several areas, including the Cariboo, Kamloops, and Southeast fire centres, and parts of coastal BC, and fines of almost $22,000 issued for 19 violation tickets over the weekend, as the service reminds the public that claiming ignorance of the campfire ban is not an acceptable excuse.

Residents and visitors are advised to stay informed about the latest developments and follow evacuation orders and guidelines, as the situation continues to unfold, with the BC Wildfire Service providing updates on the fire's progress and any changes to evacuation orders or alerts.

  • Evacuation orders span both sides of Highway 97 from south of Clinton to north of 70 Mile House
  • Lower-level alerts cover surrounding areas in the south Cariboo
  • Campfire bans are in place in several areas, including the Cariboo, Kamloops, and Southeast fire centres