Sooke wildfire grows to 15 hectares, smoke visible across South Island
Published 3:09 pm Monday, September 21, 2026
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A human-caused wildfire near Sooke continues to grow in size with smoke visible across Greater Victoria.
First discovered Sunday (Sept. 21), the fire is located within the Sooke Hills, four kilometres west of Sooke River, south of Mount Jack.
Initially listed by the BC Wildfire Service as two hectares in size, Monday afternoon (Sept. 21) the fire had grown to 15 hectares.
The fire is listed as ‘out of control’, meaning it is spreading or is expected to spread beyond the current perimeter or control lines.
“Significant increase in fire activity was observed today, Sept. 21, fuelled by warm and dry daytime conditions,” said an update from BC Wildfire Service. “This wildfire is exhibiting vigorous fire behaviour, and further growth is expected.”
While the fire does not currently pose a threat to public safety or critical infrastructure, the provincial government agency said the situation is changing constantly.
“So please be aware of local conditions and stay clear of firefighting operations,” they said.
Firefighters from the Capital Regional District and the BC Wildfire Service, with support from helicopters and airtankers, are tackling the blaze.
Smoke can be seen from as far as Victoria’s Inner Harbour and may be visible to communities in the Cowichan Valley.
Meanwhile, a smaller ‘out of control’ wildfire west of Jordan River has shrunk in size.
The Pat Phillip Creek, which is located between Juan De Fuca Provincial Park and Highway 14 (Sooke Road), was also discovered Sept. 20.
First listed as 0.5 hectares in size, an update Monday afternoon said the fire was now 0.3 hectares.
Firefighters on the ground, with support from aviation resources, are tackling the fire.
“Smoke and firefighting aircraft may be visible to motorists travelling along Highway 14 and surrounding areas,” said a BC Wildfire Service update Sunday evening. “There are currently no impacts to Juan De Fuca Park nor Highway 14 at this time.”
BC Wildfire Service says the fire is human-caused. They note people can start wildfires in several ways, either by accident or intentionally.