Evacuees begin return to Clinton as alerts replace orders; many face ruined homes

CLINTON — Residents displaced by wildfires in the Thompson-Nicola region were allowed to return to portions of Clinton on Saturday after emergency officials downgraded several evacuation orders to alerts, but the re-entry was far from a simple homecoming.

The update, which took effect at 8 a.m., reopened much of the area north and east of Clinton along Highway 97 as far as past 70 Mile House, but parts of the district remain under active evacuation order. Areas to the west of town — from the Kelly Lake substation north to the regional border — are still restricted because of the continuing threat posed by the Pear Lake wildfire, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District said.

Returning to loss and limited services

For many who had been evacuated, the return revealed stark losses. Business owner Steve Larabie, 52, discovered his home and his auto-repair business severely damaged by flames and said he may be forced to sleep in a tent while sorting through the wreckage.

"It's all gone. I have ..."

Despite personal loss, Larabie said he is helping neighbours by offering to pick up spoiled freezers and refrigerators at no charge — a small service aimed at easing recovery for others in a community now facing shortages in basic services.

Nicolas Kosovic, who runs The Stagecoach Café with his mother, Maria, described an "intense" cleanup of the shop’s refrigeration after spoilage during evacuation. He said the emotional weight of driving through the southern end of Clinton — where some homes are burned out — tempered the relief of being able to return.

"It's not going to be a perfect re-entry into Clinton. Nothing is going to ever feel perfect," Kosovic said, describing the coming days as "a kind of bittersweet mix of emotions."

Officials caution residents as services remain constrained

Clinton’s mayor, Roland Stanke, warned residents in a special online update that the town they are returning to will be changed. Many services people rely on may be limited or unavailable, and the region remains at risk while wildfire season continues.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District and local emergency officials emphasized that although re-entry is permitted for parts of the community, heightened caution is still necessary. Some areas remain off-limits and resources such as power, potable water, road access and emergency support may be disrupted.

Practical realities for returning residents

Those going back to assess damage or begin cleanup should be prepared for immediate practical challenges. Officials recommend carrying proper identification, being ready to provide proof of residency if requested, and taking precautions against hazards such as unstable structures, hot spots and downed power lines. Residents dealing with spoiled food and appliances are being supported informally by neighbours and local businesses, but municipal resources are likely constrained.

• Re-entry began at 8 a.m. Saturday for most downgraded areas.
• Areas west of Clinton remain under evacuation order due to the Pear Lake wildfire.
• Residents returning may find limited services and damaged homes or businesses.

Local response and recovery

Community response has included neighbours helping neighbours and local entrepreneurs pitching in where they can. Larabie’s offer to remove ruined appliances free of charge is one example of grassroots support that may reduce immediate burdens on affected households.

Longer-term recovery will depend on assessments by emergency management, insurance processes for those covered, and provincial support for communities affected by wildfire. For now, the focus remains on safe re-entry, damage assessment and short-term relief for those who lost homes and livelihoods.

Officials continue to monitor the situation and will update evacuation and alert boundaries as conditions evolve. Residents are urged to follow local emergency channels for the latest information before travelling back to the area.