Firefighters are using the recent rain and cooler temperatures to make progress on the Mount Jack wildfire near Sooke. The 337-hectare wildfire, discovered Sept. 20, is now classified as being held by B.C. Wildfire Service. The fire is burning about four kilometres west of the Sooke River, south of Mount Jack. B.C. Wildfire Service says recent rainfall has significantly quieted the fire and crews are now seeing mostly smouldering ground fire, with no open flames. That change is allowing firefighters to concentrate on areas around the outside of the blaze, where they are working to improve containment and deal with pockets of remaining heat. Around 60 firefighters and support staff are assigned to the incident. Heavy equipment, aircraft and danger tree specialists are also assisting ground crews. Officials say the fire’s latest reported size was influenced by more detailed mapping of the perimeter, as well as anticipated movement toward containment lines already in place. More favourable weather is expected to continue, with cooler temperatures and additional rain in the forecast through Tuesday. B.C. Wildfire Service says the fire is not posing a current risk to homes, critical infrastructure or the public. However, officials are asking people to avoid the area while firefighting operations continue. The Capital Regional District has closed the northbound Galloping Goose Regional Trail at kilometre 52 near the Spring Salmon Place Campground and access to Kapoor Regional Park as a precaution. Smoke from the fire could continue to drift into communities in Greater Victoria and the South Cowichan Valley. Investigators believe human activity may have started the wildfire.
