Wildfire near Clinton triggers province-wide power fluctuations as BC Hydro sets new summer demand record

BC Hydro warns of possible power fluctuations as large wildfire threatens key Interior transmission corridor

As of the evening of July 23 the Pear Lake wildfire was showing Rank 4 fire behaviour on its east flank and pushing into the Kelly Lakes area

July 24 2026 - BC Hydro is alerting customers across the province that they may experience flickering lights, brief power interruptions, and fluctuations due to wildfire activity near Kelly Lake in the Interior.

Of particular concern is the area east and southwest of Clinton, home to BC Hydro’s major Kelly Lake Substation, a critical hub on the 500 kV transmission lines that carry large volumes of power from the Peace Region south through the province.

The Pear Lake wildfire (C40983) has grown to 3,184.6 hectares and remains Out of Control.

As of the evening of July 23 it was showing Rank 4 fire behaviour on its east flank and pushing into the Kelly Lakes area, with long-range spotting observed and smoke visible from Kelly Lake, Clinton and Pavilion.

Tactical evacuations were underway and structure-protection crews were reportedly working overnight.

Helicopters are supporting ground crews, and significant structure-protection resources are deployed as part of the broader Big Bar Complex response.

Transmission lines and substations are built with resilience features including vegetation management, fire retardant, cleared rights-of-way and more fire-resistant materials, which help them withstand nearby wildfires.

The Pear Lake wildfire (C40983) has grown to 3,184.6 hectares and remains Out of Control

The warning comes as BC Hydro reported record-breaking summer electricity demand for the second consecutive day.

Extreme heat pushed peak hourly demand to 8,870 megawatts on Wednesday evening (July 23), surpassing the previous day’s new record of 8,715 MW.

The utility said its hydroelectric system continues to have sufficient capacity and is performing reliably overall.

BC Hydro says it is monitoring the situation closely and thanks customers for their patience.

Wildfire near Clinton triggers province-wide power fluctuations as BC Hydro sets new summer demand record