Evacuation orders linked to the largest wildfire in British Columbia have been expanded by authorities. The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District recently broadened an evacuation order for an area south of the Pear Lake wildfire to encompass properties near Highway 99 in the Marble Canyon area. Similarly, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District also extended an evacuation order along Highway 99, west of the Highway 97 junction. These new orders collectively affect nearly 200 properties.

Moreover, the Ts’kw’aylaxw First Nation has issued evacuation orders for several reserves. In addition to evacuation orders, all three governments have issued expanded evacuation alerts.

The Pear Lake wildfire, as reported by the B.C. Wildfire Service, has ravaged over 1,647 square kilometers and caused damage to structures on more than 120 properties, predominantly in the vicinity of Clinton. The fire’s most active fronts are currently on its western and southern boundaries.

In a separate development, Environment Canada has issued a yellow severe thunderstorm watch for a significant portion of the B.C. Interior, Cariboo, and Metro Vancouver regions. Severe thunderstorm warnings have also been issued for parts of Vancouver Island. The B.C. Wildfire Service has cautioned about the potential impact of dry lightning strikes and high winds across the southern and central Interior, along with gusts of up to 80 kilometers per hour during thunderstorms.

Meanwhile, a new wildfire ignited by lightning in the Jacko Lake area, south of Kamloops, prompted emergency response efforts on Saturday. By evening, the fire had expanded to 44 hectares and was under control, with 19 personnel and air crews deployed to the scene. Progress has been reported, with ongoing efforts to establish and fortify containment lines.

The current wildfire situation in British Columbia includes over 150 active fires, with close to 60 of them categorized as out of control. The provincial state of emergency related to wildfires has been extended by the B.C. government until at least August 29.