Friday July 18, 2025 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
The Grass Lake wildfire near Sooke Potholes caught people’s attention this week as drought conditions continue on south Vancouver Island.
The Grass Lake wildfire was discovered Monday July 14, east of the Sooke Potholes Park, and was classified as out of control.
Hiking trail closures were put in place — the Capital Regional District (CRD) closed all trails within 1 km of the Grass Lake wildfire.
The wildfire is suspected to be human-caused, either by accident or intentionally. Sparks from equipment used outdoors can start fires including ATVs, mountain bikes, and lawn mowers.
Only lightning is considered to as a source of starting a naturally-caused fire.
Held by Tuesday night:
On Wednesday July 16, the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) said the Grass Lake wildfire in Sea to Sea Regional Park is being held at 1.2 hectares as of Tuesday evening.
Just before 9 pm on Tuesday evening, BCWS reported the Grass Lake wildfire near Mary Vine Creek and Sooke Potholes as being held at a Rank 1 (smouldering ground fire), with pockets of Rank 2 (low vigour surface fire).
Fire ranking:
The levels of wildfires are ranked 1 to 6.
A Rank 1 fire is characterized by white smoke, no open flame and a slow rate of spreading, known as a smouldering ground fire. It’s most commonly fought through direct attack using pumps, hoses and other tools, says the service.
A Rank 2 fire contains a visible open flame, but inconsistent with a slow spreading rate. Tackling rank 2 fires is similar to a rank 1 response with direct attack using ground crews and hand tools, but heavy equipment, along with hand-made control lines.
Work done on the fire:
No significant growth occurred between Monday evening and Tuesday morning, with the eastern side most active and the BCWS adding that “rolling debris has been observed.”
On Monday, retardant was dropped at the centre and around the fire to cool the flames and prevent further spreading.
“When flames come in contact with the retardant it reacts with it. This releases a combination of water and carbon dioxide. This helps cool and suffocate the flames,” says BCWS.
Hot weather now over:
Temperatures were above normal this week (well about 27°C Monday through Thursday).
Today the weather is cooler; the Weather Channel shows forecasted highs in a more temperate range of 20°C to 22°C from today through next Tuesday. Environment Canada shows highs reaching 21°C in that period, spiking to 24°C on Wednesday July 23.
Current wildfires at July 18:
As of this afternoon Friday July 18, there are six wildfires on south Vancouver Island.
Five fires are under control (green on the above map), and one is out of control near Port Alberni (red on the above map).
A campfire ban came into effect on July 17 for all of Vancouver Island.
Reporting a wildfire:
To report a wildfire, call 1-800-663-5555, or dial *5555 from a cell phone.
===== RELATED:
- Campfire ban on Vancouver Island starts July 17 (July 17, 2025)
- NEWS SECTIONS: EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS | WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT | SOOKE REGION