Two Wildfires Merge as 70 Mile House Prepares to Evacuate Ahead of 668-Square-Kilometre Blaze

Residents of 70 Mile House and surrounding areas in British Columbia are preparing for an evacuation order after two major wildfires merged in the South Cariboo region, creating a fire estimated at nearly 668 square kilometres.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District, or TNRD, said its emergency operations centre, in coordination with the BC Wildfire Service, planned to issue an evacuation order at 10 a.m. Pacific Time on Monday, July 27, because of the projected growth of the Pear Lake wildfire toward the community.

Officials urged residents to prepare to leave by gathering identification documents, medications, clothing and other essential supplies. People in the affected area were advised to follow local instructions immediately once the evacuation order takes effect.

As of the latest published official update, 70 Mile House and several surrounding areas were listed under an evacuation alert, meaning residents must be ready to leave on short notice. Several nearby areas were already subject to mandatory evacuation orders.

The Pear Lake wildfire, which now includes the former Fiftynine Creek fire, was mapped at approximately 66,871 hectares, equivalent to about 668.7 square kilometres. The two fires merged near Chasm, approximately 12 kilometres north of Clinton, and the fire also affected sections of Highway 97.

The Village of Clinton and neighbouring areas had already been ordered to evacuate as the fire continued to burn aggressively and authorities expanded evacuation zones across the region.

The BC Wildfire Service said cooler temperatures could provide crews with a limited reprieve, but strong winds and underlying drought conditions were expected to remain significant factors in fire behaviour. Further growth and increased smoke were also anticipated, particularly during the afternoon and evening.

The planned evacuation order was not expected to include South Green Lake, which was set to remain under an evacuation alert. Emergency Support Services were expected to become available after the order took effect, providing temporary help with accommodation, food and other basic needs.

Authorities urged residents to continue monitoring official emergency maps and updates from the Thompson-Nicola Regional District and the BC Wildfire Service, and to avoid entering evacuated areas unless officials confirm it is safe.