Full Breakdown
Mount Jack Wildfire Persists on Southern Vancouver Island
By Drooid · · How we work
Scope and Conditions of the Fire
The Mount Jack Wildfire, first detected north of Sooke in late September, has expanded to at least 210 hectares. Fire officials attribute the steady growth to steep terrain, dry fuels and a lack of rain. Most of southern Vancouver Island remains under a High Fire Danger rating, heightening the risk of further spread.
Official Response and Public Safety Measures
Erika Berg, fire information officer for the B.C. Wildfire Service, said crews anticipate colder weather and precipitation in the coming days, which should moderate fire behaviour and aid suppression efforts, though it will not extinguish the blaze outright. The fire is deemed human-caused, not lightning-ignited. The Capital Regional District has issued closures for kilometre 52 at Salmon Place Campground and access to Kapoor Regional Park, urging visitors to stay out of the restricted area and avoid alternate trail routes.
Impact on Recreation and Local Access
The Galloping Goose Regional Trail, a popular bike and walking corridor, has been closed as a precaution. These restrictions affect both residents and tourists who use the trail network for outdoor activities, with alerts to be updated as conditions evolve.
Outlook and Next Steps
Fire crews plan to move closer to the fire’s edge as cooler, wetter conditions arrive, aiming to increase containment. No immediate threats to structures or public safety have been identified, and the fire’s advance away from a nearby watershed has reduced concerns about water-quality impacts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Mount Jack Wildfire has seen some steady growth over the past three days. That's been mainly driven by the steep terrain, the dry fuels and a lack of rain,” — fire information office
- “It's more-so now moved a bit more northeast. So, it's bypassing where you start to enter the watershed. So no further risks at this time, and in terms of impact to structure or public safety, no threats there either.” — Erika Berg. Berg