UPDATE: Wildfire burning at Sooke Potholes Regional Park jumps to 50 hectares

(Update: July 23, 2024 @ 3pm) - The fire is now estimated at 50 hectares in size. See here for more information.

(Update: July 23, 2024 @ 10:40 am)

A wildfire located east of Sooke River that sparked yesterday at Sooke Potholes Regional Park on Vancouver Island has grown to 30 hectares overnight.

The most recent update from BCWS says that the blaze, which was estimated at 5 hectares yesterday evening, is still burning out of control today.

Sam Bellion, Information Officer for the BCWS, told NowMedia that the new size reflects overnight growth driven by sustained winds until after midnight. The size is also due to a better view of the fire, and better mapping this morning.

"Community members can expect to see rotary and fixed wing aircraft working the incident through the day however the combination of smoke and terrain may limit opportunities to safely engage," added Bellion.

She added that they do not expect any precipitation, and sustained moderate winds will persist throughout the next few days.

"Safety of our staff and crews is our highest priority. We are continuing to respond to this incident based on safe, workable objectives."

The public is warned that smoke may be very visible today.

BCWS is currently responding with three initial attack crews, three response officers, and three helicopters providing bucketing support.

Staff from the CRD are also on scene.

Campers were evacuated yesterday from Spring Salmon Campground as a precaution. The CRD said that the evacuees would be addressed today on possibly retrieving any belongings left behind.

Because of the wildfire, the Galloping Goose Regional Trail between Todd Creek Trestle and the trail terminus at Kapoor Regional Park is closed until further notice. Sooke Potholes Regional Park is also closed to the public.

(Original story: July 22, 2024 @ 8:16 pm)

BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) is responding to a wildfire at Sooke Potholes Regional Park on Vancouver Island this evening.

The fire is currently estimated to be five hectares in size and is burning at rank two to three according to an update the BCWS shared. The fire is located about 9 kilometres north of Sooke, east of Sooke River.

According to the BCWS, it is suspected to be human caused.

Sooke Potholes Park and the campground have been evacuated, and people are asked to stay away from the area. Smoke may be highly visible from the area.

There are currently three initial attack crews and three helicopters providing bucketing support at the scene. Response officers, local fire departments and the Capital Regional District (CRD) staff are also on scene.