Highways, properties, key infrastructure at risk after Pear Lake fire: report

A preliminary assessment of the post-wildfire hazards of the Pear Lake wildfire near Clinton this past summer show that homes, highways, and infrastructure such as the CN rail line and a BC Hydro substation are at elevated risk from flooding, debris flows, and landslides in the fire’s aftermath. The Pear Lake wildfire was reported on July 17, and was not declared under control until Sept. 14. It burned a total area of 165,909 hectares (1,659 square kilometres), forced the evacuation of thousands of residents, and destroyed more than 120 structures, including homes. The report — dated Oct. 8 and released on Nov. 9 — is largely based on aerial reconnaissance carried out in August. The report’s author, geomorphologist Sarah Crookshanks, notes that it was prepared on an expedited basis so that a Level 4 Detailed Assessment can be started. The fire affected 28 watersheds, with some seeing up to 99 per cent of their area burned.

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