Evacuation for 70 Mile House as Pear Lake fire spreads

Residents of 70 Mile House, British Columbia, were ordered to evacuate on Monday, July 27, as an out-of-control wildfire advanced toward the community. The Thompson-Nicola Regional District expanded its evacuation order to include approximately 650 properties in Electoral Area E, known as the Bonaparte Plateau, effective at 10 a.m.

The order was issued due to the growing threat from the Pear Lake wildfire, which merged with the Fiftynine Creek wildfire on Sunday, July 26. The combined blaze is now estimated at 63,368 hectares, or nearly 670 square kilometres, and is moving northeast toward 70 Mile House. Officials said the decision was made to ensure residents had sufficient time to leave safely.

Evacuees are directed to travel north to Williams Lake and register at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex. Residents are advised to take only critical items such as medicine, wallets, and a pre-packed grab-and-go bag. Officials also recommend removing perishable food from homes, as power outages are common in evacuation zones.

Amanda Bennett Arrieta, general manager of corporate services for the regional district, said the evacuation is for the safety of both residents and emergency...