Pear Lake wildfire prompts park evacuation, dozens of alerts

The Pear Lake wildfire burning near Clinton, B.C., is seen in a handout image. (B.C. Wildfire Service)

A wildfire burning in the B.C. Interior has triggered a number of evacuation orders and alerts.

The Pear Lake wildfire was discovered Friday near the community of Clinton, approximately 120 kilometres west of Kamloops, and remains burning out of control.

On Monday, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District issued an evacuation order due to “immediate danger to life safety” caused by the blaze.

Evacuees have been told to flee north via Pavilion-Clinton Road and Highway 97 toward Clinton.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District also issued an evacuation order for Downing Provincial Park, including the day use area and campground, and any other properties outlined on a provided map.

“If you are in the described area, you must leave immediately,” reads a notice from the TNRD. “A person must not enter the evacuation order area for purposes of residing, occupying, or visiting.”

Some 38 addresses in Electoral Area “E” have also been placed under evacuation alert.

The Pear Lake wildfire has spread to approximately 30 hectares, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.

The suspected cause is lightning.