Fire in Sooke Potholes Park continues to grow

UPDATE — July 26, 2024: Sookes Potholes Park fire expected to keep growing, B.C. wildfire service says

A fire that broke out near Sooke, B.C., on Monday has grown rapidly in size since it was first detected.

That afternoon, Sooke Potholes Park on Vancouver Island closed due to a wildfire detected near Mavis Lake. The park, about 27 kilometres west of Victoria, is a popular destination for hikers, cyclists and campers.

At the time, the fire was about five hectares. By Tuesday afternoon, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service, it had grown to about 50 hectares.  

Just after 12 p.m., the wildfire service asked campers at the Spring Salmon Campground to evacuate. The Sooke Potholes Gateway, CRD Sooke Potholes Regional Park, the Galloping Goose Trail and nearby BC Parks are closed. 

In an interview with CBC News on Monday, Sooke Mayor Maja Tait said there is currently no risk to the wider community.

The wildfire service says the fire was caused by humans — a broad category which includes accidents and intentional fires — and is currently out of control.

In an interview with All Points West Tuesday afternoon, Wayne Kennedy, the chief of the Sooke Fire Department, said helicopters and tankers had been deployed to help fight the fire. 

"It's quite a hilly, vertical terrain," he said. "That's hampered their efforts. 

Kennedy said factors including wind direction and weather mean he doesn't believe any structures are at risk at this time. 

"We're always concerned about wildfires close to our own municipality," he said. "We understand that these can be anxious times."

He's asking Sooke residents to download the city's local emergency alert system and prepare bags in case of evacuation.