There are warnings that a massive out-of-control wildfire that forced hundreds to flee in British Columbia could grow even larger. The blaze has become one of the most alarming of the province's fire season, and officials say the danger is far from over as crews on the ground begin to assess the extent of the destruction it has already caused.
The Pear Lake wildfire is burning over 668 square kilometres, having merged with another wildfire over the weekend to form a single, sprawling front. Officials now say weather conditions are expected to create extreme fire behaviour, potentially spreading the flames even further and threatening more of the communities in its path.
The village of Clinton, B.C., has been among the hardest hit, where the firefight is not over and some residents living near the community fear there will not be anything left to return to. It's devastating to lose everything you've ever had, said Crystal Ann Smith, who fled her home and has since seen video online of what she believes is her house burned to the ground.
Clinton officials say an assessment team is on the ground surveying the damage, and have urged residents to wait for confirmation about their properties. The mayor said that so far the village appears intact, but that there are some structural damages south of the community, with hot embers and small flare-ups still posing a threat. Residents are not yet allowed back in.
As hundreds of people in the region have been forced from their homes, nearby communities have stepped up to help, including with the animals left behind. Jessica Heikes said she has taken in 31 horses and three cows for fire evacuees, saying that the thought of people losing everything made it an easy decision to open her arms to their animals.
The B.C. Wildfire Service warned that strong winds and dry thunderstorms could make the situation worse. Extreme fire behaviour is expected, and significant growth on these incidents is possible, the service said, adding that the fuels remain heavily impacted by drought throughout the area and are highly susceptible to increased fire behaviour.
The Pear Lake fire is only one part of a broader emergency, with more than 130 wildfires burning across British Columbia as of Tuesday afternoon, supported by 76 heavy pieces of equipment and 19 helicopters. Before evacuees can go home, Clinton officials say the wildfire threat must be over, and air quality and drinking water assessments completed, while roads, bridges and hazardous areas are checked and secured.