Friday July 26, 2024 | SOOKE, BC [Last update July 28, 2024]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
UPDATE JULY 28 from the District of Sooke EOC: Progress: In an update from the BC Wildfire Service, the District of #Sooke EOC has learned the “West flank along the Sooke River is 100% contained.” This flank was previously reported as being “almost” contained.
On this Friday summer afternoon, a wildfire continues to burn in the Sooke region.
Called the Old Man Lake Wildfire, the wildfire is “trending away from the community and watershed”, according to BC Wildfire Service. The current footprint of the fire is 188 hectares and is considered “out of control” (according to the BC Wildfire map at 5 pm).
The southern perimeter of the burned area has created its own buffer, says the District of Sooke’s communications officer Christina Moog.
Some folks have been worried about visiting the Sooke area due to extensive TV media coverage about the wildfire. Island Social Trends was in Sooke today, no smoke in the sky and everyone is going about their business.
There have been no reported injuries or deaths related to this fire.
In the evenings, wildfire smoke can still be seen in the skies over nearby Langford.
Sooke Fine Arts Show is uninterrupted:
The opening night Purchaser’s Preview of the Sooke Fine Arts Show will continue as scheduled, doors open 7 pm this evening (tickets available online).
The full 2024 Sooke Fine Arts Show runs daily for 10 days, July 27 to August 5.
Information portal launched by District of Sooke:
The District of Sooke has launched a new Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Information Portal to help keep people informed of the actual status of the wildfire, including links to the Smoke Forecasts and Air Quality Advisories.
“Crews and aviation resources are actioning the flanks closest to the community and the CRD Watershed. Light to Moderate inflow winds is expected today. Rain is forecasted Sunday to Tuesday,” a BC Wildfire Service information office has said.
Distance from populated areas:
“We are reassured by the progress made by fire crews and the increased distance from populated areas,” said Sooke Mayor Maja Tait.
“The added of this portal as a communication tool will help our residents have access to current and trusted information and resources to stay safe and informed.”
The fire status is ‘out of control’, and is north and northeast of the District of Sooke, according to the BC Wildfire Service map. The original fire started as 30 hectares on July 22/23 and grew.
Alert notification system:
Residents are reminded to register for the District of Sooke’s Public Alert Notification System, Alertable, which will provide real-time notifications should the current situation change.
===== RELATED:
NEWS SECTIONS: SOOKE REGION | EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS