The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) is asking boaters on Shawnigan Lake to stay out of the way of aircraft fighting a fire burning near the Sooke Potholes Regional Park.
According to the wildfire service the fire remains out of control and is about 50 hectares in size. The fire was discovered just before 3 p.m. on Monday, July 22nd.
The District of Sooke says that Sooke Potholes Regional Park, a section of the Galloping Goose, and the campground will remain closed until further notice due to a wildfire.
Roughly 30 campers were evacuated as a precaution due to the fire. They were able to return to their sites today to retrieve their items with an escort in and out of the campground.
Smoke from this wildfire can be smelt and is visible throughout Greater Victoria prompting an air quality warning.
Since yesterday, additional fire crews have been called in to assist in battling the fire. This includes additional air support.
In an update, BCWS warned that boaters on Shawnigan Lake may see water-scooping aircraft filling up. All boaters are required to dock immediately if aircraft are operating on the lake, as any obstruction to approach, filling, and departures will cause the mission to be aborted.
A video posted to Facebook shows a wildfire aircraft scooping water from Shawnigan Lake when a boater made a U-turn, crossing the path of the aircraft. Fortunately, no incident was reported. However, with the wildfire growing, it may be best for boaters to avoid the lake altogether.
According to the BC Government, if a boater gets in the way of an airtanker, helicopter, or other firefighting aircraft, the incident will be investigated by the Ministry’s Compliance and Enforcement Branch, the Conservation Officer Service, and/or the RCMP.
Under the Wildfire Act, the person responsible could face a $1,150 fine or an administrative penalty up to $100,000. They could also be charged with an offence under the Act, carrying a maximum fine of $100,000.
The BCWS says that the fire is believed to be human caused, but has not elaborated if it was caused by a campfire, a cigarette butt or some other reason.
As of Tuesday evening, four initial attack crews along with a 10-person Capital Regional District Parks fire crew, air support and response officers are battling the fire.
More to come on the Sooke Potholes fire as information becomes available.
