Clinton, British Columbia, remains mostly intact after crews battled a wildfire that reached the village’s outskirts Friday night, though some structures were lost. Officials confirmed Saturday that damage was concentrated in the south-side industrial area, while residential zones were largely spared.

Damage assessment and evacuation status

The Pear Lake wildfire, part of the larger Big Bar complex, prompted evacuation orders for Clinton residents Friday. Brian Doddridge, a village emergency operations official, said fire crews worked overnight to install sprinklers and contain the blaze, though the threat persists.

Doddridge, speaking from Kamloops, noted some residents defied evacuation orders, despite warnings from authorities about the danger. “They’ve been notified they are putting their lives at risk,” he said.

An update from the B.C. Wildfire Service Saturday expanded evacuation orders for 19 additional properties near the Fiftynine Creek blaze, north of Clinton. Hot, dry conditions and high winds continue to fuel aggressive fire behavior across the region.

Broader wildfire impact across B.C.

The fires threatening Clinton are among 120 active blazes in British Columbia, with more than 50 burning out of control. The Thompson-Nicola Regional District issued new evacuation orders for 61 properties in the Canford area Saturday due to the Ainslie Creek fire, part of the Brunswick complex.

Meanwhile, cooler temperatures and higher humidity offered temporary relief in some areas. The City of Kimberley lifted an evacuation alert for 8,100 residents after progress against the Matthew Creek blaze, though officials cautioned the fire remains active.

What happens next

Officials will continue damage assessments in Clinton and surrounding areas. The B.C. Wildfire Service warned that gusty winds could reignite flames in exposed areas, while crews maintain suppression efforts. Residents under evacuation orders or alerts should monitor updates from local authorities.