The out-of-control Mount Jack wildfire near Sooke has grown to 210.4 hectares, prompting the closure of a regional park and part of the Galloping Goose Regional Trail.
In an update Wednesday, September 23rd, the Capital Regional District (CRD) announced the precautionary closures following consultation with the BC Wildfire Service.
The closures include:
- The Galloping Goose Regional Trail northbound at kilometre 52, near the Spring Salmon Place Campground
- Access to Kapoor Regional Park
Visitors are being asked to stay out of the closure area and not attempt to reach it through other parks or trail networks.
Kapoor Regional Park is located along the Sooke River, past Sooke Potholes Regional Park, at the northwestern end of the Galloping Goose Regional Trail.
No additional park or trail closures have been identified at this time.
Despite the closures, the CRD says the fire’s current size and location do not pose a threat to the Regional Water Supply Area or Greater Victoria’s drinking water quality.
The wildfire’s estimated size has more than doubled since Tuesday afternoon, when it was listed at approximately 100 hectares.
The BC Wildfire Service says the fire has grown over the past three days due to steep terrain, dry forest fuels and a prolonged lack of rain.
Some of the latest growth occurred northeast of the main fire after embers created spot fires during elevated fire behaviour Tuesday afternoon. Heavy smoke in that area also limited visibility for aircraft.
According to the wildfire service, more than 40 ground personnel are assigned to the wildfire, supported by local partners, forestry industry crews, heavy equipment and multiple helicopters equipped with buckets.
Crews are using a combination of direct and indirect suppression tactics based on fire behaviour, environmental conditions and responder safety.
The fire remains classified as out of control, meaning it is spreading or is expected to spread beyond its current perimeter or established control lines.
However, BC Wildfire Service says it does not currently pose a threat to public safety or critical infrastructure.
There are no evacuation alerts or evacuation orders connected to the wildfire. While the BC Wildfire Service is not currently listing a formal wildfire area restriction, the new CRD park and trail closures remain in effect.
The Mount Jack wildfire was discovered Sunday, September 20th, approximately four kilometres west of the Sooke River and south of Mount Jack. Its suspected cause is listed as human activity.
Firefighters could soon receive some assistance from the weather as the latest Environment Canada forecast is showing clouds and a 30% chance of showers late Thursday morning and early afternoon, with more consistent showers expected to begin Thursday afternoon.
Periods of rain are forecast Thursday night and throughout Friday.
BC Wildfire Service says the cooler temperatures and expected precipitation should help moderate fire behaviour and support ongoing suppression efforts.
However, the CRD warns that the region’s extended stretch of warm and dry weather means wildfire risk remains high or extreme in many areas.
People visiting regional parks are reminded to remain on sanctioned trails, pack out garbage and glass, and never smoke or light campfires in parks.
The public is also being warned not to fly drones near the wildfire. The area remains active airspace for helicopters and other firefighting aircraft, and unauthorized drone activity could force aircraft to leave the area.
The CRD says it remains in regular contact with BC Wildfire Service personnel responding to the fire.
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