It's hot. Summer is here, and Sooke is reminding residents to keep fire safe.
"With dry conditions and provincial wildfire activity increasing, we’re reminding residents and visitors to stay mindful of fire safety," the District of Sooke said in a news release.
"Whether you're enjoying the outdoors, working on your property, or heading out on vacation, small actions can make a big difference in keeping our community safe."
To help mitigate against wildfires, Sooke is asking residents to practise campfire courtesy.
"Stick to designated fire rings, keep a bucket of water and a shovel close by, and always ensure your fire is fully extinguished and cold to the touch before you walk away," said the district.
They're also asking residents to "mind [their] butts" and to ensure cigarette butts are properly disposed of, as they are a common cause of fires.
"Whether you're driving, hiking, or relaxing outdoors, use a proper receptacle. A single spark is all it takes, including in parking lot boulevards," wrote the district.
Finally, they remind residents to work smarter with tools, as powered equipment such as lawnmowers and chainsaws can unintentionally ignite dry grasses and debris.
"Time your tasks for cooler, damp parts of the day – early morning or late evening is best – and have suppression tools on hand," said the district.
With a wildfire currently burning at Grass Lake, and marked as out of control by the BC Wildfire Service, it's important that Sooke residents stay prepared for wildfires and other disasters.
To keep informed, residents can download the BC Wildfire Service App to stay up to date with wildfire activity, fire bans and air quality reports across the province at https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map.
You can also sign up for Alertable to get local emergency notifications specific to Sooke, including evacuation alerts and weather-related warnings by visiting sooke.ca/alert.
Finally, the district is reminding residents to refresh their emergency kits with a well-stocked 72-hour supply to help ensure your family is ready for anything. Essentials include drinking water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights and important documents.
