‘Smokejumpers’ drop into Sooke to fight wildfire in steep terrain

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A pair of firefighting para-attack crews, also known as “smokejumpers,” have been deployed to the Old Man Lake wildfire near Sooke.

The smokejumpers were dropped into the wildfire zone on Friday evening to access the east flank of the fire, which was previously inaccessible to other firefighters due to steep terrain and other dangers.

“Para-attack crews, sometimes known as smokejumpers, are trained to parachute from fixed-wing aircraft to land in wildfires in difficult-to-reach terrain,” said Kimberly Kelly, information officer with the Coastal Fire Centre.

The wildfire grew to 230 hectares overnight, up from 188 the day before. However, Kelly says no structure are at risk at this time, and the fire is trending away from Sooke.

“The fire is not threatening any values at this time,” said Kelly. “It is located nine kilometres north of Sooke and five kilometres south of the Sooke Lake reservoir.”

While smokejumpers have been deployed to the east flank of the fire, Kelly says other firefighters are making “good progress” tackling the north and south sides of the fire, sweeping from west to east.

“The west flank along the Sooke River is almost 100 per cent contained,” she said.

She added that while firefighters will be working daily, Islanders can expect the Old Man Lake wildfire to burn for some time.

“It’s important for the public to know that this fire requires sustained action,” said Kelly. “The crews and aviation resources will be working this fire for the foreseeable future.”

In total, 66 firefighting resources and seven aviation resources are working on the fire as of Saturday.

Community members are reminded that trails at the park are closed as precaution, and that boaters need to dock immediately if they see aircraft scooping up water from Shawnigan Lake.

Meanwhile, a smoky skies bulletin is still in effect for Greater Victoria due to wildfire smoke from the Island and beyond.

Firefighters receive outpouring of support

Firefighters who are battling the Old Man Lake wildfire have received an outpouring of support from the community, according to the District of Sooke.

The municipality says that since the fire was first discovered on July 22, community members have been providing firefighters with food, like pizza, water, chips and other donations.

“The District of Sooke is deeply grateful for the tremendous support and generosity demonstrated by our community during the ongoing response to the Old Man Lake Wildfire,” said the municipality late Friday.

However, the district says food supplies are currently well stocked, and ask that people pause their donations.

“Updates will be provided as the situation develops, and we will inform the public if additional supplies are needed in the future,” said the district. “Thank you for your continued generosity and cooperation.”

Firefighters near the Sooke Potholes are pictured eating pizza that was donated by the community. (Ryland Bennett)

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