Two massive wildfires merge near Clinton, forcing evacuations of 583 properties

The Pear Lake and Fiftynine Creek wildfires have merged into a single out-of-control blaze covering nearly 670 square kilometres — roughly one quarter the size of Metro Vancouver — forcing evacuation orders affecting about 583 properties across B.C.'s Cariboo region.

The expanded evacuation order now includes the entire Village of Clinton and, as of Monday, communities in 70 Mile House and along Meadow Lake Road. Some structures have already been damaged or destroyed. The combined fire complex has triggered six evacuation orders and three evacuation alerts.

Fire officials warned that extreme fire behaviour is expected in the coming days, with hot and dry conditions and wind gusts of up to 50 kilometres per hour likely to drive further growth. Where the fire has crossed Highway 97 east of Clinton, it's burning into an old burn scar, which is slowing some fire activity, though crews are focusing on structure defence in Clinton.

Ranchers in the region have already begun moving livestock to safer areas. Carleigh Jensan, owner of a horsemanship ranch in 70 Mile House, said she and others are relocating animals to ranches further north, concerned about smoke, falling ash, and the risk of further evacuation orders. She noted the horse community has rallied with offers of safe accommodation from across B.C. and Alberta.

The Village of Clinton said staff anticipate accessing the community within the next day or two to begin assessing damage and contacting affected property owners. More than 15 of the village's fire department members remained to help protect structures.

Separately, the French Bar Creek fire north of Big Bar Creek has scorched more than 283 square kilometres and prompted three evacuation orders and five evacuation alerts. As of Friday morning, 139 wildfires were burning across the province, with more than 50 considered out of control.