Tuesday July 23, 2024 | SOOKE, BC [Updated 10:20 pm]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Update July 24, 2024: Wildfire footprint has grown to 169 hectares.
Just after 12 noon today, instructions have been issued to campers at the Spring Salmon Campground (at Sooke Potholes) to collect their belongings and depart from the camp.
This is in response to safety issues regarding a nearby wildfire.
The District of Sooke, in coordination with the Capital Regional District and T’Sou-ke Nation have issued the following instructions for campers:
- Check-In: Campers must check in at the Sooke Potholes Gateway, located before the first parking lot and gate.
- Escorted Site Visit: Upon check-in, campers will be escorted to their campsite and are required to promptly clear all belongings.
- Exit the Park: After collecting their belongings, campers will be escorted out of the park.
Please be patient as teams support you in this process. You may be required to wait to be escorted. Best efforts will be made to provide support quickly, while we respond to what may be a changing situation. Your understanding is appreciated.
Wildfire risk is low:
The Sooke Potholes Park, including the Sooke Potholes Gateway, CRD Sooke Potholes Regional Park, Spring Salmon Campground, and the Galloping Goose Trail entering the regional park, along with area BC Parks will remain closed as BC Wildfire Services continues to respond to the Sooke Potholes Area Wildfire.
The wildfire footprint had grown from its initial three hectares up to 30 hectares by late last night, July 22, due to sustained high winds. Yesterday there were three crews on site consisting of 15 BC Wildfire Service personnel and 10 CRD contractors.
While the wildfire risk to the public remains low, the recreation service closures remain in effect. These closures will stay in place until further notice.
Last night the District of Sooke cancelled their July 22 council meeting out of an abundance of caution regarding the wildfire. Municipal hall is in the same building structure as the Sooke Fire Hall.
Smoky skies:
For now, the Smoky Skies Bulletin for BC (by the Air Quality Section of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy) does not include south Vancouver Island (mid-day). By evening, the skies in nearby Langford had some lingering smoke.
