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Rain, Cooler Temperatures Assist Firefighters Battling B.C.’s only Out-of-Control Blaze
Rain has lowered fire behavior, letting crews attack accessible flanks as officials say the blaze is still out of control.
On Friday, rain helped crews battling the Mount Jack wildfire near Sooke, reducing fire behaviour to "mainly Rank 1," which the BC Wildfire Service describes as a smouldering ground fire with no open flame.
Fuelled by warm, dry conditions, the fire located four kilometres west of Sooke River remains "out of control." Humans are said to be the cause of the blaze, according to officials.
Approximately 65 firefighters and support personnel are tackling the blaze Friday. The Capital Regional District has closed access to Kapoor Regional Park and the Galloping Goose Regional Trail northbound at kilometre 52 as a precaution.
Lower fire behaviour now allows crews to perform direct attack on accessible flanks, fire information officer Julia Caranci says. The BC Wildfire Service lifted campfire prohibitions in the Coastal Fire Centre but urges the public to use caution.
Environment Canada meteorologist Brian Proctor forecasts drying conditions through the weekend, followed by significant cooling and rain starting Monday evening. While this moisture helps, widespread rain is needed to make a true dent in South Island dry conditions.