BURSTThe Pear Lake wildfire near Clinton is still classed as out of control, but has shown minimal growth over the past few days.
As of Friday morning (Aug. 28) the fire was estimated at 165,847 hectares, an increase of 1,107 hectares since Sunday, Aug. 23.
There have been no changes to the evacuation orders and alerts issued in response to the Pear Lake fire since Sunday. As of Friday, 61 properties in Thompson-Nicola Regional District Area “E” remain on evacuation order, while a further 282 properties in Area “E” remain on evacuation alert.
In an update on Friday morning, BC Wildfire Service said that after a stretch of hot, dry weather in the region, cooler and more humid conditions are moving in. The higher humidity raises fuel moisture and helps dampen fire behaviour, which gives crews a favourable window to make progress along the fire’s edge.
More thunderstorms are expected, which could bring rain, although any rainfall is likely to be patchy: some areas might receive a few millimetres, while others could receive none.
North of Clinton, smoke will remain visible within the fire’s perimeter as isolated pockets of fuel burn. These pockets are surrounded by burnt area, so are unlikely to spread, and there is minimal risk of growth.
Aerial infrared scanning is being used to identify hotspots, and crews are using the data to locate and extinguish remaining areas of heat. This reduces the potential for flare-ups in unburnt fuel pockets within the fire perimeter.
Work is ongoing in the Big Bar Mountain area, where the fire is most active. Crews are continuing to extinguish hotspots, construct contingency lines, engage in direct attack, and mop up and patrol in areas where the fire is less active.
South of Clinton, the fire remains within containment and contingency lines on the south flank, where crews are working to limit further southward spread. Terrain is the primary challenge in this area: steep slopes, cliffs, and rock faces prevent crews and heavy equipment from working safely along the fire’s edge. Crews continue to work along the perimeter where it is safe to do so, building access where the terrain allows.
Residents can expect to see smouldering ground fire and smoke within the fire perimeter over the coming weeks. Property owners within the fire perimeter can also expect to see burning stumps or hot spots around their properties. If the hot spot is within 100 feet of a property, please report it through the process below.
Hotspots beyond the 100 feet line but within the fire perimeter will continue until the fire is fully extinguished, either by ground resources or large amounts of rain or snow. However, smoke rising from green, unburnt fuel outside the fire perimeter should be reported immediately to 1-800-663-5555 (toll-free), to *5555 on a cellphone, or directly through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.
For information about the evacuation orders and alerts still in place, visit the TNRD’s Emergency Operations Centre Dashboard. You can also contact the TNRD EOC at 250-377-7188 (toll-free at 1-866-377-7188).
For more information about the Pear Lake wildfire, and all other fires currently burning in the province, visit the BC Wildfire Service interactive map.