B.C. Wildfires Updates: Air quality worsens in east Fraser Valley | Eby, Greene meet with officials in Penticton | Summerland blaze continues to grow | Arson a major concern

There are three other wildfires of note, including the Pear Lake wildfire—B.C.’s biggest blaze— which has destroyed properties near Clinton in the Cariboo region. That fire is now mapped at more than 1,476 square kilometres. There are eight evacuation orders affecting thousands of residents and seven evacuation alerts.

Fire officials say wind is driving the Pear Lake fire although some cooler weather with precipitation is helping slow the spread.

The other two wildfires of note are the Brunswick Creek and Ainslie Creek wildfires—or Brunswick Complex— in the Fraser Canyon region. The complex is now mapped at 700 square kilometres.

For both fires there are 12 evacuation orders and 15 evacuation alerts, including a new evacuation alert for 15 properties along the Coquihalla Highway in the Coquihalla Lakes area north of Hope.

PENTICTON — Walt Nickerson pushed a cart of groceries and supplies out of the Real Canadian Superstore on Monday evening, three days into a life he hadn’t planned for.

“We know that with climate change, we’re seeing a wide range of worsening hazards, including wildfire seasons becoming longer and more severe. That means to stay safe, people should prepare for emergencies year-round. For those who may be at risk of an evacuation in the coming days, I urge you to have a grab-and-go bag packed and ready for each member of your household, including pets,” said Greene at a news conference Tuesday to provide and update on the wildfire and drought conditions in B.C.

Officials said once it is safe to enter the burned areas, an assessment of property damage will be done. Evacuees are being asked to stay out of the evacuation order areas.

Forests Minister Ravi Parmar also asked every B.C. resident to be extra vigilant not to start wildfires, as the province is in for more hot, dry and windy weather in the days ahead.

“I need everyone in British Columbia to be extraordinarily careful right now,” said Parmar.

“One careless action can start another wildfire. One spark can put another community at risk, and one drone flying near a wildfire can ground the aircraft our firefighters are desperately relying on. Our crews have enough fires to fight. Please don’t give them another one.”

Some people are more at risk, including people with lung and heart conditions, pregnant individuals, infants and young children, people aged 65 and older, and anyone whose health is affected by a chronic condition or acute illness, the agency said.

The Bald Range wildfire, which has led to at least one death, thousands of evacuation orders and extensive property loss, continues to burn out of control in B.C.’s Okanagan region.

The latest update from the B.C. Wildfire Service has mapped the fire at about 156 square kilometres. The B.C. government will hold a news conference at 11 a.m. Tuesday to update the public on the wildfire situation.

Fire officials say the cause of the blaze, which sparked late Friday about 15 kilometres west of Summerland, remains under investigation.

Increased winds from the northwest contributed to increased fire activity, the B.C. Wildfire Service said. Firefighters said more wind was expected overnight.

About 20,000 residents remain out of their homes, with 11 evacuations orders and seven evacuation alerts still in place.

As of Tuesday morning, there are more than 100 wildfires burning in B.C., and the risk remains high for new fires because of hot weather, high winds, dry lightning and multi-year drought in many parts of the province.

B.C. remains under a provincial state of emergency.