The Old Man Lake wildfire north of Sooke has grown to 188 hectares, according to a midday update from the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) on Friday (July 26).
The human-caused fire remains out of control after it was discovered on July 22. Five wildfire service attack crews and a 10-person CRD crew are responding to this wildfire, along with three helicopters and an unspecified number of water skimming aircraft.
"Crews and aviation resources are actioning the flanks closest to community and the CRD watershed. Incremental fire growth is expected, as the fire moves through terrain that is challenging to be safely access(ed) by crews," noted an update from BCWS on July 26. "Falling rocks and debris pose a significant safety risk when organic matter burns away from steep slopes. Danger tree concerns are present due to drought conditions."
Sooke’s Emergency Operations Centre is monitoring the situation and is in daily communication with the BCWS, CRD and other partners to ensure community safety. They have also created an online portal to keep the community informed on the fire.
Amid the smoky skies and possible decline in air quality, a morning update from the District of Sooke reminded residents of Island Health recommendations to stop or reduce outdoor physical activity, stay cool and drink plenty of fluids, move indoors or to cleaner air, and to pay attention to local air quality reports.
The Sooke branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library, located at 6671 Wadams Way, has set up a comfort centre to provide a cool space, washrooms, WiFi, public computers and a team of staff to support residents.
The district recommends residents prepare a grab-and-go bag with essential items for households and pets should the situation change.
Sooke’s Emergency Operations Centre is monitoring the situation and is in daily communication with the BCWS, CRD and other partners to ensure community safety. To reach the EOC, email eocinfo@sooke.ca or call 250-642-1627.
Several sites are closed due to the wildfire, including: the Sooke Potholes Gateway, Sooke Potholes Regional Park, Spring Salmon Place Campground, Sea-to-Sea Regional Park, the northbound Galloping Goose Regional Trail at kilometre 46 – south of the Todd Creek Trestle – and access to Kapoor Regional Park.
For more information and for updates on the fire, visit https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca.
