CLINTON, B.C. — Two wildfires threatening the village of Clinton and the surrounding region merged late Saturday, prompting concerns for communities, emergency crews and a stretch of Highway 97 north of the village.
Fires combine, cross highway
An update from the BC Wildfire Service said the Pear Lake and Fiftynine Creek fires joined late on Saturday and remained “very active” the following morning, moving north and northeast of the Chasm area, about 20 kilometres north of Clinton. The flames crossed the highway in at least one location, with fire behaviour differing on either side of the road.
Where the fire crossed the highway, the service noted the fire moved into an area already scarred by previous wildfire — a factor that is helping to moderate its intensity in some places. Despite that local moderation, crews continued to work in and around Clinton on structure protection and ground firefighting.
Local losses and evacuations
Clinton was largely spared as flames advanced late Friday, but some structures were lost on the community’s outskirts. A business owner south of town described catastrophic damage.
“We lost everything,” said Steve Larabie, who told reporters he and his family had two homes and a towing and autobody business destroyed about three kilometres south of Clinton.
Authorities ordered evacuations for parts of Clinton when the Pear Lake fire surged on Friday; crews continued to operate in the village to defend structures and address active fire behaviour on Sunday, according to fire information officer Shae Stearns.
Regional picture and wildfire totals
The wildfire service updated mapping Sunday showing the combined estimated size of the Pear Lake and Fiftynine Creek fires was nearly 670 square kilometres. The French Bar Creek fire, making up part of the Big Bar complex, was also burning to the northwest and was estimated at roughly 250 square kilometres.
| Fire | Estimated size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pear Lake + Fiftynine Creek | ~670 km² | Merged late Saturday; crossed Highway 97 near the Chasm |
| French Bar Creek (Big Bar complex) | ~250 km² | Burning to the northwest of the Clinton area |
Weather, drought and firefighting support
The BC Wildfire Service noted some areas received rain and cooler temperatures over the weekend, providing temporary relief. However, much of the province remains under drought conditions, limiting the long-term moderating effect of isolated wet weather.
In its provincial situation report, the service said personnel from Yukon Protective Services, Alberta Wildfire and crews from Mexico were scheduled to arrive in B.C. in the coming days to bolster efforts against roughly 140 active blazes provincewide.
Local impacts and what residents should know
Officials warned that even where fire behaviour has decreased or is moving into previously burned areas, hazards remain. Smoky conditions and the potential for spot fires persist as crews conduct active ground firefighting.
Residents in affected or nearby areas should follow local emergency-management instructions. Key practical points:
- Register for local evacuation alerts and orders through municipal or regional emergency-management channels.
- Keep an emergency kit ready with medications, important documents, and supplies for pets and livestock.
- Expect potential highway closures or delays along Highway 97 and plan alternate routes if travelling north of Clinton.
Where things stand
Clinton’s recovery and rebuilding needs will depend on damage assessments still under way. Local officials confirmed structural losses Friday but said the village itself was mostly spared from the worst of the advance.
Fire officials described substantial ground work remaining to secure areas where fire intensity has dropped and to protect infrastructure threatened by moving flames. Those efforts will continue alongside incoming reinforcements and changing weather conditions.
As crews battle the merged fires, the situation remains dynamic. Residents and travellers should monitor updates from the BC Wildfire Service and regional emergency-management centres for the latest evacuation notices, road impacts and air-quality advisories.
Reporting from the interior of British Columbia.
