Evacuation order issued for Clinton, B.C., as nearby wildfire grows
An evacuation order has been issued for the village of Clinton, B.C., as aggressive wildfires in the region grow out of control. Local officials and residents have described the situation as dire, with major highways closed to facilitate emergency efforts.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the increasing frequency and severity of wildfire threats in North America and the resulting humanitarian impact on small communities.
The orders cover the village itself, which is home to about 650 people, along with more than 400 properties to the southwest and north of the community.
"Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbour or someone needing transportation. Do not use more vehicles than you need to," the village said in a social media post.
Highway 97 is closed for nine kilometres between Clinton Cemetery Road and Mound Road to facilitate the evacuation.
A map showing evacuation orders and alerts in Clinton, B.C., and surrounding areas as of 5:30 p.m. PT on Friday, July 24. (Thompson-Nicola Regional District) I’m gonna lose my house any minute': Mayor Clinton Mayor Roland Stanke said the situation in the community of several hundred residents was "extremely bad."
"I’m gonna lose my house any minute. It’s horrible," he said in a brief interview with the Canadian Press late Friday.
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