The Thompson‑Nicola Regional District expanded an evacuation order Friday morning for the Loon Lake and South Green Lake area due to the Pear Lake wildfire.
The expansion signals a critical escalation in the fire's behavior, forcing hundreds of additional residents to flee their homes as the blaze threatens more of the South Cariboo region.
Officials added approximately 375 properties [2] to the 1,119 [1] that were already under order. This brings the total number of affected properties to nearly 1,500 [3]. The order now includes properties along Highway 97 from Loon Lake Road to past Scottie Creek Road [4].
The Pear Lake wildfire has reached an estimated size of 73,217.11 hectares [5]. Regional officials said the order was expanded because the fire continues to grow and gusty winds could cause aggressive fire behavior [6].
Emergency crews are monitoring the perimeter as the blaze moves through the region. The expansion is part of a broader effort to ensure resident safety as the fire's trajectory remains unpredictable, a common challenge during high-wind events in British Columbia's interior.
Residents within the expanded zone are required to leave the area immediately. The Thompson‑Nicola Regional District is coordinating with local emergency services to manage the displacement of the nearly 1,500 properties [3] now under the order.
“The total number of affected properties to nearly 1,500.”
The rapid expansion of the evacuation zone underscores the volatility of the Pear Lake fire. By increasing the affected area by roughly 33% in a single morning, officials are reacting to a high-risk weather window where wind speeds can outpace containment efforts, necessitating a wider safety buffer for residents in the South Cariboo region.
