Overnight rain holds Mount Jack wildfire near Sooke at 276 hectares

Overnight rain holds Mount Jack wildfire near Sooke at 276 hectares

Published 11:42 am Friday, September 25, 2026

A night of rain has helped douse growth of the Mount Jack wildfire near Sooke.

The BC Wildfire Service said Friday morning (Sept. 25) that the rain has reduced fire behaviour to “mainly Rank 1,” which they describe as a “smouldering ground fire with no open flame.”

“No significant growth” has been observed and the size remains at 276.19 hectares. While the fire is still listed as “out of control,” the service is hopeful for more favourable weather.

“Saturday and Sunday are expected to be drying days, but the combination of recent rain, shorter days and excellent overnight recoveries is expected to dampen fire behaviour,” said a Friday update. “Starting Monday evening into Tuesday, temperatures will cool significantly and more rain is in the forecast.”

First discovered Sept. 20, the fire was first said to be two hectares. Fuelled by warm, dry and windy conditions, the fire – which is located four kilometres west of Sooke River, south of Mount Jack – has continued to burn.

Approximately 65 firefighters and support personnel are tackling the wildfire Friday, including a Capital Regional District crew, heavy equipment operators and danger tree fallers.

Ground crews will continue working along accessible portions of the south and west flanks to expand containment, said the BC Wildfire Service.

“We continue to be well resourced on this incident and are continuing to make good progress on all operational objectives, with assistance from the downturn in conditions,” they said.

Currently, the service says the wildfire is not a threat to structures, critical infrastructure, or public safety.

As a precaution, the Capital Regional District (CRD) has closed access to Kapoor Regional Park and the Galloping Goose Regional Trail northbound at kilometre 52, at the Spring Salmon Place Campground.

Visitors have been asked to avoid the area.

Smoke remains visible to communities in Greater Victoria and the South Cowichan Valley area.

Humans are said to be the cause of the fire.

The Pat Phillip Creek wildfire near Jordan River, located between Juan De Fuca Provincial Park and Highway 14 (Sooke Road), is now listed as under control.

Also discovered Sept. 20, the size of the fire peaked at 0.5 hectares.

The BC Wildfire Service lists the fire as 0.3 hectares, and it is not expected to grow beyond its current perimeter.