After burning for more than two weeks near Sooke, the Old Man Lake wildfire is now listed as under control.
The blaze remains at 230 hectares in size, but a Wednesday (Aug. 7) night update from the BC Wildfire Service said the fire is not projected to spread beyond the current perimeter.
"This fire will require sustained action, meaning that crews and aviation resources will be working on it for the foreseeable future. This fire is not threatening any values at this time," the service said.
The suspected human-caused wildfire was sparked on July 22 and burned out of control for about a week. The fire – which is located about nine kilometres north of Sooke and five kilometres south of the Sooke Lake Reservoir – was then considered "being held" since the end of July.
Capital Regional District parks and trails near the fire are still closed and the update noted visitors are asked to avoid accessing those natural areas through other regional or provincials parks. The District of Sooke on Thursday said CRD crews are conducting assessments of hazardous trees and slope stability to ensure the areas are safe before they're reopened to visitors.
The district called the fire being considered under control a significant milestone.
"We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the BC Wildfire Service and all involved in responding to the Old Man Lake Wildfire. Your dedication and hard work have been truly remarkable in bringing this wildfire under control and protecting our community," Sooke said in its update.
In a statement last week, the community's mayor said the Old Man Lake event had been maintained to fires ranging from smouldering ground to moderately vigorous surface blazes.
"While there is impact, seeing the impact of the understory versus the entire tree canopy throughout is reassuring," Sooke Mayor Maja Tait said.
