The out-of-control wildfire near Sooke grew by around 40 hectares over the weekend as the district says the blaze has been expanding on the side furthest away from the community.
The B.C. Wildfire Service on Sunday said crews continued to make progress containing the south and north flanks of the Old Man Lake fire, which is located about nine kilometres north of Sooke. The west side of the blaze, along the Sooke River, is 100 per cent contained, the service added.
"This fire will require sustained action, meaning that crews and aviation resources will be working on it for the foreseeable future," the wildfire service's latest update states. "This fire is not threatening any values at this time."
The District of Sooke said in its own update that the fire has seen incremental growth along its eastern side. Friday evening saw two para-attack crews – also known as smokejumpers – deployed to that side of the fire because the challenging terrain has made that area inaccessible to ground responders. As the fire burns about five kilometres south of the Sooke Lake Reservoir, the district added there is no risk to Greater Victoria's water supply at this time.
As the suspected human-caused fire marked one week of burning, the region received rain on Monday morning. The forecast shows periods of rain are expected for most of the day.
The wildfire service says it appreciates the public staying well clear of the fire response and water skimming activities on Shawnigan Lake.
The district also said it was "deeply grateful" of the support showed by the community after firefighters stationed near Sooke Potholes Regional Park received an overwhelming amount of food donations. The public gave so much that by Friday (July 26), Sooke requested people hold off on donating more for now so crews can being overstocked.
"The District of Sooke appreciates the community’s incredible support and understanding as we work together to support the brave firefighters," the district said on Friday.
