Pear Lake wildfire prompts expanded evacuation order in Green Lake area

CLINTON, BRITISH COLUMBIA — More than 500 properties in and around the south side of Green Lake have been added to an evacuation order as the Pear Lake wildfire spreads in that direction north of Clinton, B.C.

A statement from the Thompson-Nicola Regional District says the expanded order now covers almost 1,120 properties, including those on the south side of Green Lake as well as the Hutchison Road and Thibert Road areas.

Residents of the Green Lake area had been told Thursday that an upgrade from an evacuation alert to an order was a “likely scenario” in the coming days.

The move comes as officials warn that a cold front with gusty winds could fan extreme fire behaviour in areas where blazes are already threatening communities.

Bryce Moreira, an incident commander with the BC Wildfire Service, says the front is expected to move through by Saturday, bringing winds of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour, creating conditions ripe for the rapid spread of fires.

The service says many areas of B.C. are also “extremely dry,” especially in the south, with highly flammable fuels increasing the likelihood of new wildfire starts.

Moreira says the days ahead will be critical for firefighters as the winds come from the southwest ahead of the cold front then turn northwest as the front moves past.

The Pear Lake fire has grown to 730 square kilometres, and is one of multiple fires of note in the province.

Clinton Mayor Roland Stanke says the power is still out in the village and there is no return date for residents as crews are still stomping out flare-ups.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 31, 2026.

The Canadian Press