# Pear Lake wildfire and Highway 97 closures

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/pear-lake-wildfire-and-highway-97-closures
> Updated: 2026-08-15T15:23:00.000Z. Sources: 50. Developments: 2.

The Pear Lake wildfire caused a prolonged closure of Highway 97 between Clinton and 70 Mile House starting on July 24. 

By August 15, authorities scheduled the highway to reopen to all traffic in both directions at noon. Prior to the full reopening, evacuation orders for the Village of Clinton and 373 properties in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District Area E were downgraded to evacuation alerts. 

While the highway reopened, restrictions remained in place prohibiting non-local drivers from stopping, and exits or side roads stayed closed to everyone except residents. Travelers were warned to expect heavy smoke and reduced visibility due to the wildfire remaining active.

## Claims

- Evacuation orders for the Village of Clinton and 373 properties in TNRD Area E were downgraded to alerts on Saturday morning. (corroborated by 16 sources)
- Highway 97 between Clinton and 70 Mile House is scheduled to reopen to all traffic in both directions at noon on Saturday, August 15. (corroborated by 16 sources)
- The highway closure has been in effect since July 24 due to the Pear Lake wildfire. (corroborated by 16 sources)
- Non-local drivers are prohibited from stopping on the highway once it reopens. (corroborated by 16 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-15: Highway 97 through Clinton to reopen following wildfire closure

Highway 97 between Clinton and 70 Mile House will reopen to all traffic at noon on Saturday, August 15, following closures due to the Pear Lake wildfire.

30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/highway-97-through-clinton-to-reopen-saturday-at-noon

### 2026-08-10: Bald Range wildfire closes Highway 97 near Summerland

Highway 97 is closed between Summerland and Peachland due to the Bald Range wildfire. Officials advise using Highway 33 or the 201 Forest Service Road for passenger vehicles, warning that backroads require 4x4s

38 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/highway-97-closed-near-summerland-due-to-bald-range-wildfire

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Cite as: Pear Lake wildfire and Highway 97 closures. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/pear-lake-wildfire-and-highway-97-closures