Mount Jack Wildfire Near Sooke Grows to About 100 Hectares

Sooke, British Columbia — The Mount Jack wildfire near Sooke has grown rapidly to approximately 100 hectares as crews continue working to contain the out-of-control blaze on southern Vancouver Island.

The wildfire, identified as V62262, was discovered Sunday, September 20, in an area about four kilometres west of the Sooke River and south of Mount Jack. BC Wildfire Service reported that the fire expanded significantly amid warm, dry conditions and was showing vigorous behaviour.

The fire was initially estimated at 35 hectares on Monday before increasing to about 50 hectares Tuesday morning. By Tuesday afternoon, the estimated size had doubled again to approximately 100 hectares. Fire crews are being supported by helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment as they work to slow the spread and establish containment.

Smoke from the wildfire has been visible across parts of Greater Victoria and as far north as Shawnigan Lake. Local reports also said ash began falling in some communities as smoke spread across the region.

Despite the rapid growth, BC Wildfire Service said the Mount Jack fire did not currently pose a threat to public safety or critical infrastructure. The District of Sooke separately confirmed that the wildfire was outside municipal boundaries and did not pose a danger to homes within Sooke at the time of its update.

The cause of the fire is suspected to be human activity, although authorities have not publicly provided further details about how it started. Fire conditions remain dynamic, and officials are continuing to monitor its behaviour as suppression efforts continue.