FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kamloops, BC – August 15, 2026 – The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) is informing residents that, effective immediately, fridges and freezers will be accepted free of charge at the Clinton Eco-Depot from properties that have been evacuated due to the Pear Lake wildfire.
Fridges and freezers do not need to be cleaned out, but please ensure that these appliances are properly sealed before being brought to the Clinton Eco-Depot for disposal.
If you cannot transport your fridge or freezer yourself, the TNRD is arranging curbside collection in the coming days:
- Village of Clinton properties: Collection of fridges and freezers will occur on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Please ensure that these appliances are set out by 7 am on the morning of collection.
- TNRD properties: If your property is outside of the Village of Clinton (e.g. Chasm, Big Bar Lake, Meadow Lake, Highway 97, Clinton-Pavilion Road), please call the TNRD at 250-377-7188 if you cannot transport your fridge or freezer yourself. Collection of fridges and freezers for rural properties will occur on Thursday, August 20, 2026, and may occur the following day if needed as well.
As of late afternoon on Friday, August 14, 2026, the Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable (MARR), has confirmed to the TNRD that cost will be covered for this collection program. MARR is the non-profit stewardship agency that oversees recycling of appliances, and the TNRD greatly appreciates the funding providing by this agency to make this program possible for residents who are returning home from the Pear Lake wildfire.
If you do not need to dispose of your fridge or freezer, ensure that you double bag spoiled food and dispose of it as regular garbage, and use personal protective equipment such as N-95 masks and rubber gloves while cleaning. Guidance on cleaning fridges and freezers can be found in the TNRD Returning After a Wildfire Guide.
For more information on current emergency notices, the interactive emergency map, and supports for impacted property owners please visit eoc.tnrd.ca. For updates about fire status and response for ongoing wildfires within the Thompson-Nicola region, please visit the BC Wildfire Service interactive map by clicking here.
Contact:
TNRD Emergency Operations Centre
Phone: 250 377-7188
Toll Free: 1 866 377-7188
NEWS RELEASE- TNRD Accepting Fridges and Freezers for Free from Pear Lake Wildfire Evacuees
CLEANING YOUR FRIDGE OR FREEZER?
PLEASE READ THIS FIRST
For residents returning home after the Pear Lake wildfire, cleaning out a fridge or freezer may be one of the first jobs on the list.
CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE GUIDE
Before you start, there is an important wildfire clean-up precaution to know:
⚠️ DO NOT USE BLEACH if your fridge, freezer or surrounding area may have been affected by wildfire retardant.
B.C. guidance says not to use bleach in areas affected by fire retardant because it can produce harmful and explosive gases. Use soap and water instead.
For safer clean-up:
- Wear gloves and appropriate protective equipment.
- Open doors and windows to provide ventilation, if it is safe to do so.
- Throw out food that may no longer be safe to eat. When in doubt, throw it out.
- If there may be wildfire retardant residue, use soap and water, not bleach.
- Do not mix cleaning products.
- If an appliance cannot be safely cleaned, consider disposing of it rather than trying to salvage it.
📸 Before throwing food or an appliance away, take photos. Your insurance provider may require documentation of your losses.
REMINDER: Fridges and freezers from properties evacuated due to the Pear Lake wildfire can now be taken to the Clinton Eco-Depot FREE OF CHARGE.
Please work carefully and take your time. Returning home involves a lot of clean-up, and your safety comes first.
For more information, see the B.C. Guidance for Owners of Property Impacted by Wildfire Contaminants and PreparedBC wildfire recovery information.
