Clinton, British Columbia residents remain displaced after Pear Lake wildfire

The Village of Clinton in British Columbia was evacuated on July 24, 2026 after the Pear Lake wildfire expanded to an estimated 115,250 ha. Two nearby fires – French Bar Creek (37,106 ha) and Rim Lake (4,577 ha) – were also listed as out of control. More than 1,800 properties across the village and the Thompson‑Nicola Regional District were placed under evacuation orders, affecting roughly 650 residents.

As of August 4, officials have not set a date for residents to return. Clinton chief administrative officer Brian Doddridge said the fire must no longer pose an immediate threat before re‑entry is allowed. He highlighted the need to restore power, ensure safe water quality, secure highway access, and re‑establish critical services such as ambulance, waste management and transit before the community can be deemed safe to re‑occupy.