Thursday, August 8, 2019 ~ EAST SOOKE
~ West Shore Voice News
A brush fire 3 hectares in size at Mt Matheson in East Sooke is now under control this evening, after a 3 pm start near three homes in the area.
BC Wildfire has been assisting with four crew members, along with firefighters of the East Sooke, Metchosin and Sooke Fire Departments.
By 4:20 pm the fire had been diverted from structures immediately adjacent to the fire, according to Metchosin Fire Chief Stephanie Dunlop.
Juan de Fuca Emergency Program Coordinator Jeri Grant at 6 pm said it may not be necessary to open a reception center at the East Sooke Community Hall. A few homeowners were asked to evacuate or be on standby, she said.
The grass fire produced a lot of smoke. The cause so far unknown.
The BC Wildfire Service also used a helicopter equipped with a water bucket to help contain the blaze. Wind is a contributing factor to contributing to the growth or continuation of such fires, says Grant.
The Fire Danger Rating in the Metchosin/East Sooke area is High (one level below Extreme). It’s been a dry summer on south Vancouver Island, but with some short periods of rainfall.