There will be no quick fix for the Old Man Lake wildfire near Sooke that continues to burn out of control, a spokesperson for the B.C. Wildfire Service said Saturday.
“We’re making great progress considering the terrain but we’re going to be working on it for days, if not weeks,” said Coastal Fire Centre information officer Kimberly Kelly.
Kelly said the wildfire grew to 230 hectares on Saturday — up from 188 hectares on Friday — but the growth has been “incremental” on the fire’s east flank, away from Sooke and the capital region watershed.
While people may be anxious as wildfires of this size aren’t often seen on the South Island, the fire is not posing any risk to the Sooke townsite or Greater Victoria’s water supply at this time, she said.
The fire’s southern flank was nine kilometres away from Sooke for the past two days and has yet to advance closer.
The Capital Regional District said on Saturday the fire remains approximately five kilometres south of the watershed.
Kelly said the fire’s western flank is now close to 100 per cent contained by the Sooke River and ground crews are continuing their work on the north and south flanks of the fire.
On Friday evening, two para-attack crews — also known as smokejumpers — were deployed to fight the fire’s east flank, which has been inaccessible to ground crews due to steep terrain, Kelly said.
Para-attack crews are firefighters who are parachuted out from a fixed-wing aircraft and equipped to be out in the field on their own for 48 hours.
B.C. Wildfire Service has increased its response in the area to more than 60 people including five initial attack crews, three 20-person unit crews, and dedicated tree-falling crews deployed as of Saturday.
Three helicopters, one airtanker, two water skimmers and two observation “bird dog” planes were also deployed.
“Crews and aviation resources will be working on it for the foreseeable future,” Kelly said. ”It’s not going to be a quick fix, this one.”
Personnel from the Capital Regional District and several local fire departments such as Metchosin and Shawnigan Lake have been providing assistance, Kelly said.
Local residents have found ways to show their support.
The District of Sooke said firefighters tackling the Old Man Lake wildfire have received an “overwhelming amount” of food donations.
“The District of Sooke appreciates the community’s incredible support and understanding as we work together to support the brave firefighters,” it said in a statement thanking those who contributed.
“We kindly ask that no additional donations be provided at this time to avoid overstocking and ensure the effective use of resources.”
The public will be notified if additional supplies are needed at the Sooke Potholes, it said.
A smoky-skies bulletin was issued for Greater Victoria on Saturday due to the fire and remained in place on Sunday morning.
The B.C. Wildfire Service continues to warn boaters on Shawnigan Lake to stay clear of firefighting aircraft scooping water.
Regional parks and trails in the area, including Sea to Sea Regional Park, Sooke Potholes Regional Park and sections of the Galloping Goose Regional Trail remain closed to the public.
The fire was about three hectares in size when it was discovered in the Sooke Potholes Regional Park on July 22.
