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The Mount Jack wildfire north of Sooke on southern Vancouver Island has grown to 276 hectares and remains the only out-of-control fire in British Columbia, officials say.
The Mount Jack wildfire north of Sooke on southern Vancouver Island continued to burn out of control Friday, provincial wildfire officers said, even as recent rain and cooler temperatures reduced much of the blaze to a smouldering ground fire. The fire has grown to cover 276 hectares since it was discovered on Sept. 20 and is currently the only wildfire in British Columbia still burning out of control, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.
Recent Rain Dampens Mount Jack Fire Behaviour
Officials said Friday that recent precipitation has reduced the fire behaviour and no significant growth was observed overnight. The forecast for the fire area is dry over the weekend, the wildfire service said, adding that 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 is difficult for ground crews to access.
Helicopters have been providing aerial support to the ground crews for several days, bucketing water onto the blaze. The fire is believed to have been sparked by human activity.
Crews Report Progress on All Operational Objectives
The B.C. Wildfire Service said in an update that it continues to be well resourced on the incident and is making good progress on all operational objectives, with assistance from the downturn in conditions. The service stated that the wildfire is not currently a threat to structures, critical infrastructure or public safety, but asked the public to stay out of the immediate area for their own safety and the safety of 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.
The district said visitors are asked to keep out of the closure area and avoid accessing the area through other parks and trail networks.
Mount Jack One of 94 Wildfires Burning in B.C.
The Mount Jack fire is one of 94 wildfires burning in British Columbia on Friday, including 80 fires that are under control and 13 that are being held. The fire was discovered on Sept. 20 north of Sooke, a community on the southern tip of Vancouver Island west of Victoria.
Southern Vancouver Island has seen a series of warm, dry conditions through late summer and early autumn, but the arrival of fall rains has brought some relief to firefighting efforts. Shorter daylight hours and cooler overnight temperatures have also helped crews make progress.
Despite the improved conditions, the B.C. Wildfire Service continues to monitor the Mount Jack fire closely because of its location in steep, difficult terrain and the possibility of drier weather over the weekend. Ground crews, heavy equipment operators and tree fallers remain deployed, with helicopter support available as needed.
Provincial officials have not issued any evacuation orders related to the Mount Jack fire. The trail and park closures in the Capital Regional District remain in effect until further notice, and the district is asking the public to respect the restrictions.
Mount Jack Wildfire Sooke Vancouver Island BC Wildfire Service Capital Regional District Galloping Goose Trail Kapoor Regional Park
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