Hundreds of new CRD, TNRD properties under evacuation order due to Clinton-area wildfire

Residents in more than 900 additional properties have been ordered to evacuate due to the massive Pear Lake wildfire near Clinton.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) says its evacuation order has been expanded to include South Green Lake and the Hutchison Road and Thibert Road areas.

In total, nearly 1,119 addressed properties in Electoral Area “E” (Bonaparte Plateau) are on evacuation order. Nearly 536 properties were added as of the TNRD’s update at 8:00 a.m. Friday (July 31).

Also at 8:00 a.m. Friday, the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) issued a new evacuation order for nearly 366 parcels, and 269 house points over 8,913 hectares, on the north end of Green Lake.

The CRD’s evacuation order was issued less than a day after it issued two new evacuation alerts for areas impacted by the Pear Lake wildfire.

Additionally, the TNRD expanded its evacuation alert area for the Pear Lake wildfire to include Pressey Lake. In total, 564 addressed properties in Electoral Area “E” are under evacuation alert, including Loon Lake and 16 Mile. The TNRD notes several areas previously under evacuation alert are now under the evacuation order.

Residents in the CRD and TNRD whose properties are now under evacuation order must leave immediately. Those wishing to receive Emergency Support Services are asked to register online and report to the reception centre at 4249 18th Ave. in Prince George. Highway 97 from the 70 Mile House area to the Village of Clinton is closed due wildfire.

Residents whose properties are under evacuation alert must be prepared to leave on very short notice.

As of its latest update Friday morning, the BC Wildfire Service says the Pear Lake fire is measured at 72,217 hectares in size. A planned ignition was cancelled Thursday due to site conditions, though one went ahead of Wednesday. Crews will assess conditions on Friday.