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A wildfire has wreaked havoc on the outskirts of Clinton, British Columbia, leaving local residents reeling from loss and destruction. Steve Larabie, his family, and their community faced a rapid and uncontrollable blaze that destroyed homes and businesses, illustrating the urgent threat wildfires pose in the region.
A Family’s Heartbreaking Loss
Late on Friday, as the Fiftynine Creek wildfire advanced, Larabie and his family found themselves fleeing their property, which was situated just three kilometres south of the village. Despite the fire initially being approximately 20 kilometres away at around 1 p.m., it escalated alarmingly fast, reaching them within hours.
In an emotional interview, Larabie recounted the chaos, stating, “There were no fire trucks, there was no structural protection. There was nobody to help me while my home was burning.” He and his family managed to escape just in time, but their two homes, along with Larabie’s business, Steve’s Towing and Autobody—operating in the area for over a decade—were consumed by the flames.
The Scale of Destruction
The B.C. Wildfire Service reported a dramatic increase in the fire’s size, which ballooned to over 190 square kilometres by Saturday, up from roughly 44 square kilometres a day earlier. This rapid expansion prompted local officials to confirm significant structural damage, though the village itself experienced a relatively fortunate outcome thanks to the tireless efforts of firefighting crews who remained on-site throughout the night.
Larabie shared harrowing footage captured from a moving vehicle, revealing a landscape marred by charred remnants of his livelihood, including approximately 3,000 vehicles and 50 pieces of heavy equipment. “It’s a disaster for the environment,” he lamented, describing the scene of destruction where “vehicles burning, on fire, exploding” filled the air with smoke and despair.
Community Response and Ongoing Threats
Brian Doddridge, a member of the village’s emergency operations centre, echoed Larabie’s concerns, acknowledging that while Clinton’s residential area largely survived, some properties did suffer losses. Assessments of the damage will be conducted once it is safe for officials to enter affected areas.
As evacuations were ordered for Clinton residents, Doddridge reflected on the conditions that led to the evacuation, noting, “The town was kind of shrouded in smoke, so it became hard to see anything beyond the immediate boundaries of the town.” He recalled the eerie sight of an orange glow illuminating the hills, a clear indication of the approaching danger.
While many residents heeded evacuation warnings, Doddridge mentioned that some chose to remain, despite being informed of the significant risk posed by the advancing fire.
Broader Impact of Wildfires in B.C.
The Fiftynine Creek fire is one of approximately 120 active blazes across British Columbia, with more than 50 deemed out of control. The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has expanded evacuation orders to include additional properties, highlighting the growing crisis. Areas including Boston Bar remain under evacuation orders due to the Brunswick complex of fires, which further complicates the situation.
In a small respite, the City of Kimberley has lifted an evacuation alert for over 8,100 residents, signalling progress in the fight against the Matthew Creek blaze. However, the overall threat remains acute, and fire officials continue to monitor conditions closely.
Why it Matters
The devastation caused by the Fiftynine Creek wildfire serves as a stark reminder of the relentless and escalating threat of wildfires in British Columbia. With communities like Clinton facing such significant losses, the need for robust fire safety measures, emergency preparedness, and support for affected families is more critical than ever. The stories of individuals like Steve Larabie highlight the human cost of these disasters and the urgent need for solutions to protect lives and livelihoods in an increasingly fire-prone landscape.
