The wildfire in the Sooke Potholes Regional Park was declared officially 'out' by the BC Wildfire Service on Oct. 31, prompting trails and parking lots to be reopened.
The suspected human-caused wildfire, known as the Old Man Lake fire, was first discovered on July 22, burning across 228.6 hectares. It was last reported by the BC Wildfire Service to be 'under control’ on Aug. 7.
In response to the news, the Capital Regional District (CRD) has reopened the remainder of official trails and parking lots within Sooke Potholes Regional Park. However, the final three kilometres of the Galloping Goose Regional Trail remain closed north of Spring Salmon Place Campground, as does the Kapoor Regional Park.
The Spring Salmon Place Campground will also remain closed for winter, as it normally would. It will reopen for the May long weekend 2025.
"For your safety, stay out of the closure areas and remain on official park trails at all times," said the CRD in a news release. "It is expected that rain events through winter will continue to bring down debris loosened by the wildfire in closed areas. Through winter, staff will continue to monitor, assess, and mitigate risks to public safety in these areas."
The remaining closures will remain in place through winter, say the CRD, but could be lifted in spring once weather conditions improve and slope stability and danger trees are reassessed.
