A fast-moving wildfire complex in British Columbia has burned more than 48,500 hectares around Clinton, forcing the village and hundreds of nearby properties to evacuate as crews try to protect homes, businesses and critical infrastructure. The Canadian Press reported late Saturday, July 25, that Clinton remained largely intact, but officials confirmed losses in the industrial area south of the village and said the danger had not passed.
The Big Bar complex includes the Pear Lake and Fiftynine Creek fires, both of which displayed extreme behaviour as strong winds drove flames toward the community on Friday. BC Wildfire Service data cited by The Canadian Press put Pear Lake at just over 19,000 hectares and Fiftynine Creek at 29,612 hectares on Saturday afternoon. Pear Lake crossed Highway 97 south of Clinton and advanced on both sides of the village.
Firefighters worked overnight with structure-protection crews, installing equipment and defending buildings. Clinton officials said their effort prevented major loss, although conditions remained too dangerous for a complete damage assessment. The village had no electricity, road access remained closed for public safety, and BC Hydro said it would assess damage and restore service when conditions allowed.
Emergency measures expanded across the surrounding region during Saturday. The Thompson-Nicola Regional District said the Fiftynine Creek evacuation order covered 299 addressed properties after 19 more were added, while an alert east of Clinton included about 436 properties. The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District also listed evacuation orders for Pear Lake, Bonanza Creek and Twin Two, alongside alerts linked to other fires.
The fire service described highly to extremely vigorous burning at the head of Pear Lake, including active crown fire and spotting. It also reported a pyrocumulus cloud capable of producing local weather and lightning. Officials expected further growth, while the province brought in additional personnel from Yukon, Alberta and Mexico to reinforce suppression work and give deployed crews opportunities to rest.
Residents were directed to emergency reception centres in Kamloops or Lillooet, and authorities urged people to follow orders and avoid returning while roads and properties remained unsafe. The immediate outlook depended on wind, fire behaviour and crews' ability to hold protection lines. Officials said assessments and notifications to affected owners would begin only after the danger eased.
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