Highway 97 closed at Clinton because of wildfire evacuation

An evacuation order has been issued for the village of Clinton.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District issued the order as of 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24.

The order is because of the Fiftynine Creek (Pear Lake) wildfire, which has grown to 16,723.5 hectares in size.

BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) says crews were able to complete hand ignitions along sections in the southeast flank, around Little White Lake. The Wildfire Service says the ignitions helped crews with containment. On the south flank, fire crews continue to be challenged by fire behaviour south of the Big Bar Road, around Isadore Road. Crews continue to work in this area, though conditions remain challenging on the south flank.

BCWS says crews continue to make progress moving to the west.

The evacuation order covers approximately 118 properties in the Electoral Area E. Anyone in the affected areas is asked to leave immediately.

A tactical evacuation is in progress for the area.

Big Bar and Meadow Lake roads have now been closed. Smoke will be visible to motorists and the surrounding communities along Highway 97.

At this time, DriveBC says that Highway 97 has been closed in both directions between Clinton Cemetery Road and Mound Road, with a detour available through Highway 1 and Highway 24.