July 24 - Sooke wildfire still burning out of control

Good morning !

This weekend we ran a story warning of the extreme fire risk for the South Island and, within days, an out-of-control wildfire broke out in Sooke. Are you near the Westshore? Have you noticed any smoke?

Environment Canada has put out a smoke advisory for Greater Victoria due to fires burning in Sooke and other BC municipalities. As of writing, 422 fires continue to burn throughout the province.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 4 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: ⛅ 22 / 13

Tomorrow: 🌦️ 21 / 12

Day after: ☀️ 23 / 12

7-day forecast

NEWS

Sooke Potholes fire remains out of control

The wildfire—known as the Old Man Lake Fire—was first reported Monday afternoon at 3 ha in size, growing to 50 ha within 24 hours, due to sustained winds picking up after midnight. The fire is believed to be human caused.

Crews accessed the fire from Galloping Goose Trail, where the fire was initially reported. Crews continued to hold the flanks they could access, with staff working through the night and day.

Some parks and trails throughout Sooke have been temporarily closed due to the fire. The Spring Salmon Place (KWL-UCHUN) Campground was evacuated “as a precaution” Monday night, according to the CRD. About 30 people had to promptly leave the site. Campers were instructed to meet at the Sooke Potholes Gateway yesterday to be escorted to gather their belongings at the campsite, then escorted back out of the park. The BC Wildfire service has not recommended any official evacuation orders or alerts for the area at this time. 

Sooke’s Monday night council meeting was cancelled to allow staff to focus all resources on the fire.

Currently, Greater Victoria's wildfire danger rating sits at “extreme”—the highest level of risk—while the rest of the Island is at “high.” This risk was partly anticipated due to lower snowpack levels on the Island earlier this year.

Environment Canada released a smoke advisory for Greater Victoria yesterday.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Smoke advisory: Environment Canada released an advisory for Greater Victoria yesterday as fires on the Westshore continue to burn. At the time of writing, GV’s air quality is rated 2 for low-risk. 

Road closure: Quadra northbound closed from Hillside to Finlayson until July 25.

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

Protests remain an important part of Victoria’s civic landscape

Victoria is a protest city. 

The right to safe, peaceful, and lawful protest, “within limits” is protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Some of those limits relate to Section 423 of the Criminal Code which makes it an indictable offence to compel “another person to abstain from doing anything that he or she has a lawful right to do, or to do anything that he or she has a lawful right to abstain from doing.”

People protest for many reasons, mainly to voice discontent, advocate for change, and challenge injustices. Sometimes to process collective grief. At its core, protesting is a powerful expression of democracy and civil engagement, often emerging when traditional channels for dialogue and change seem inadequate or unresponsive.

“As a capital city, we’re accustomed to protests, and this year doesn’t feel any different to me than any other. We’ve always been a site of regular protests since at least the early ’70s and we support people's right to demonstrate,” said Victoria city councillor Jeremy Caradonna.

Protesting continues to be a key way for Victorians to engage in politics.

Read the full story by Sidney Coles on why Victoria is a protest city, and how those protests impact the city.

⭐️ Capital Picks

🦀🌟 Crabs and the Milky Way: See this night shot taken at China Beach. [Photo]

📸 Throwback pic: See this photo of Mayfair Mall in the 1980s. [Photo]

🤝 Now hiring: Executive Director at Capital Bike.

🗞️ In Other News

Sexual assault on Wharf a ‘concern for public safety’
A woman was sexually and physically assaulted by an unknown man near the Tulip Canoe statue at Wharf and Johnson at around 1:30am last Thursday, according to VicPD. After the assault she ran to a group of passersby for help and the man fled the area. Police say responding officers did an extensive search for the suspect, but did not find him. The investigation is ongoing and, given the violent and random nature of the assault, police have concerns for public safety. 

Stall in landing caused 2023 float plane crash on Island
Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) recently released a report on the crash near Gold River and found that the plane experienced an aerodynamic stall—an issue caused by a misalignment of the wing and airflow—making the plane unable to generate enough lift to stay airborne. The plane did not have a system to warn the pilot of the stall—a rarity in commercially operated planes. This is the 17th De Havilland plane to crash since 1998. [CBC]

Two brought to hospital in morning house fire yesterday
The fire began in the basement and travelled up the walls at the house on Myrtle Avenue near Hillside Mall. Firefighters were on the scene for two hours. The home was significantly damaged, but a dollar amount was not estimated. [CHEK]

🗓️ Things to do

🎹 Louise Rose: See the musician perform solo jazz piano and vocals at Hermann’s tonight. 7pm. [Info]

🎻 Bach's Orchestral Suite in D: Listen to a program of Bach, Handel, and more led by violinist Julia Wedman at Christ Church Cathedral tonight. 7:30pm. [Info] 

🎶 Emmett Hodgins Quintet: Enjoy original tunes and jazz arrangements at Hermann’s tomorrow. 7pm. [Info]

🍔 Eats & Beats Beach Party: Dance to live music at this Beachlands fest and enjoy a snack from an international food truck lineup, alongside beach games and a beverage garden. Sat. 1-8pm. [Info] 

🧑‍🎨 ArtisTREE: Discover local art makers with 150 artisan vendors, live performances, and food at Government House. Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 10am-5pm. [Info]

🚗 Sport and Import Car Show: See the best in classic and collector cars at this annual show at the Saanich Fairgrounds. Sun. 10:30am-3pm. [Info] 

👀 In Case You Missed It

Tuesday’s headlines: UVic pro-Palestine encampment dismantled; Woman to swim for charity from Brentwood Bay to Jericho Beach; Fake nurse pleads guilty. [July 23]

Brain injuries an emerging epidemic amid opioid crisis. [Capital Daily]

Community bids farewell to historic stone garage. [Capital Daily]

Full moon rising over Dallas Road. [Photos]

Busking locations in Victoria: See where performers (including jury-selected and amateur) will be entertaining the city this summer. [Map]

Splash pads temporarily closed at Rutledge and Beckwith Park. [Info] 

That’s it!

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