Wildfire near Sooke grows to 35 hectares amid five out-of-control Vancouver Island fires

Five wildfires on Vancouver Island were listed as out of control Monday afternoon, including a growing fire near Sooke that may send smoke into Greater Victoria.

The largest is the Mount Jack wildfire, about four kilometres west of the Sooke River and south of Mount Jack.

BC Wildfire Service mapped it at 35 hectares Monday afternoon.

Fire activity increased significantly during the day amid warm, dry conditions, according to the wildfire service.

It said the fire was showing vigorous behaviour and further growth was expected. Crews, helicopters and airtankers were responding.

Smoke may be visible from Sooke, Greater Victoria and the Cowichan Valley, according to the wild fire service.

BC Wildfire Service said the fire did not currently pose a threat to public safety or critical infrastructure, but described the situation as dynamic and asked people to stay clear of firefighting operations.

Four other Vancouver Island fires remained listed as out of control:

• The Nitinat Main wildfire was estimated at 12 hectares near the 16-kilometre mark of the Nitinat Forest Service Road. It is burning in steep, generally remote terrain. Crews are responding with helicopter and airtanker support, and airtankers have dropped retardant to help suppression efforts
• The Thistle Mine Road wildfire was listed at five hectares near the 56-kilometre mark of the road. BC Wildfire Service had not posted a further public incident update for this fire Monday afternoon
• The Pat Phillip Creek wildfire was listed at 0.3 hectares between Juan de Fuca Park and Highway 14. Smoke and firefighting aircraft may be visible to motorists. BC Wildfire Service said there were no impacts to the park or highway at the time of its update, and directed travellers to BC Parks and DriveBC for current conditions
• A new Rogers Creek wildfire was listed at 0.1 hectares. Crews were responding, and BC Wildfire Service reported no significant growth. It described the fire behaviour as mainly smouldering ground fire, with some surface fire activity

According to Environment Canada, rain is in the forecast, though it may not arrive everywhere at once.

According to the weather agency, Sooke’s forcast calls for rain in northern sections Tuesday afternoon, followed by rain Tuesday night and periods of rain Wednesday.

Port Alberni’s forecast calls for showers beginning near midnight Tuesday and continuing Wednesday. The forecast does not establish how much rain will fall on any particular fire.

No Vancouver Island evacuation alert or order appeared in the province’s public evacuation layer when checked Monday afternoon.

Residents can follow the BC Wildfire Service map for updates and report a new wildfire by calling 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a cellphone.