A wildfire on southern Vancouver Island continued to burn out of control Friday, though recent rains and cooler temperatures have reduced much of the blaze to a smouldering ground fire, according to provincial wildfire officers.
The Mount Jack wildfire north of Sooke has grown to cover 276 hectares since it was discovered on Sept. 20. It is currently the only fire in the province that is still burning out of control, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.
Officials said Friday that recent precipitation has reduced the fire’s behaviour and no significant growth was observed overnight.
The forecast for the fire area is dry over the weekend, the wildfire service said, adding “but the combination of recent rain, shorter days and excellent overnight recoveries is expected to dampen fire behaviour.”
Precipitation is expected to return to the region early next week.
Approximately 65 firefighters and support personnel are assigned to the Mount Jack fire, including heavy equipment operators and tree fallers.
Much of the fire is burning in steep terrain that’s difficult for ground crews to access.
Helicopters have been providing aerial support to the ground crews for several days, bucketing water onto the blaze, which is believed to have been sparked by human activity.
“We continue to be well resourced on this incident and are continuing to make good progress on all operational objectives, with assistance from the downturn in conditions,” the B.C. Wildfire Service said in an update.
“This wildfire is not currently a threat to structures, critical infrastructure or to public safety but we do ask the public to stay out of the immediate area for their own safety and the safety of our responders.”
The Capital Regional District has closed portions of trails in the area, including the popular Galloping Goose Regional Trail, as a precaution. Access to Kapoor Regional Park is also restricted, according to a statement from the CRD.
“Visitors are asked to keep out of the closure area and avoid accessing the area through other parks and trail networks,” the district said.
The Mount Jack fire is one of 94 wildfires burning in B.C. on Friday, including 80 fires that are under control and 13 that are being held.
