Officials have broadened evacuation mandates in connection to the largest wildfire in British Columbia. The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District announced on Saturday an extension of evacuation orders for an area south of the Pear Lake wildfire to encompass properties adjacent to Highway 99 in the Marble Canyon region. Similarly, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District also expanded evacuation orders along Highway 99, to the west of the Highway 97 intersection. These extensions now encompass close to 200 properties in total.
Moreover, the Ts’kw’aylaxw First Nation has issued evacuation orders encompassing several reserves. All three governing bodies have also enlarged evacuation alerts.
The Pear Lake wildfire has scorched over 1,647 square kilometers, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service, and has caused damage to structures on over 120 properties, predominantly around Clinton. The fire is currently most active on its western and southern perimeters.
Environment Canada has issued a yellow severe thunderstorm watch for a significant part of the B.C. Interior, Cariboo, and Metro Vancouver, with severe thunderstorm warnings in effect for portions of Vancouver Island. The department advises seeking immediate shelter if a thunderstorm approaches. The B.C. Wildfire Service has cautioned about shifting weather conditions potentially bringing dry lightning strikes and high winds across the southern and central Interior, accompanied by localized gusts of up to 80 kilometers per hour during some thunderstorms.
A new fire ignited south of Kamloops due to lightning on Saturday, prompting crews to respond. By the evening, the fire had expanded to 44 hectares in size and was considered “being held,” indicating no anticipated spread beyond the current boundaries. The B.C. Wildfire Service has dispatched 19 personnel and air crews to the location, reporting “good progress” on containment efforts, with ongoing work through the night by a Kamloops Fire Rescue crew.
As of Saturday evening, there were over 150 active wildfires throughout B.C., with nearly 60 of them classified as out of control. The provincial state of emergency related to wildfires has been extended by the B.C. government until at least Aug. 29.