SOOKE, B.C. — A wildfire near Sooke has grown rapidly on Vancouver Island, prompting an intensive response from firefighters and aerial crews as authorities work to bring the blaze under control.
The Mount Jack wildfire, identified by BC Wildfire Service as V62262, was discovered Sunday and is burning in the Sooke Hills approximately four kilometres west of the Sooke River and south of Mount Jack.
By Monday afternoon, the fire had grown to approximately 35 hectares and remained classified as out of control. Fire behaviour increased significantly during the day, with further growth expected.
Crews, helicopters and airtankers are working on the wildfire as firefighters attempt to contain its spread.
Mount Jack Wildfire Near Sooke Grows Rapidly
The Mount Jack wildfire has become one of several Vancouver Island fires currently listed as out of control.
BC Wildfire Service reported that the fire was showing vigorous fire behaviour on Monday and that additional growth was expected as warm and dry conditions contributed to increased activity.
The wildfire is located in the Sooke Hills, west of the Sooke River.
Its location places it close enough to populated areas that smoke may be visible from Sooke and other communities across southern Vancouver Island.
Despite the fire’s growth, officials said Monday that it did not currently pose a threat to public safety or critical infrastructure.
The situation remains dynamic, however, and wildfire conditions can change quickly.
Fire Crews, Helicopters and Airtankers Respond
Firefighters are being supported by aircraft as crews work to slow the wildfire’s growth.
The response includes:
- Ground firefighting crews
- Helicopters
- Airtankers
- Wildfire specialists
- Additional resources coordinated through the Coastal Fire Centre
Aerial resources can play an important role when terrain makes direct ground access difficult.
The Mount Jack fire is burning in the Sooke Hills, where slopes and forested terrain can make suppression operations challenging.
BC Wildfire Service has urged the public to remain clear of firefighting operations so crews and aircraft can work safely.
Smoke Could Be Visible Across Greater Victoria
Residents in and around Sooke may notice smoke from the wildfire.
BC Wildfire Service said smoke could be visible from Sooke, Greater Victoria and the Cowichan Valley.
Visibility and smoke conditions can change depending on wind direction, fire behaviour and atmospheric conditions.
People who see smoke should avoid assuming that every plume represents a separate fire. The Mount Jack wildfire itself is producing significant smoke as crews continue suppression efforts.
Residents should rely on official wildfire information for updates rather than unverified posts or photographs circulating online.
Is Sooke Under an Evacuation Alert?
At the latest update reviewed Monday afternoon, no Vancouver Island evacuation alert or evacuation order appeared in the province’s public evacuation layer in connection with the Mount Jack wildfire.
That does not mean conditions cannot change.
Wildfires can expand quickly, particularly during periods of warm, dry weather. Authorities may issue evacuation alerts or orders if the situation changes and communities become threatened.
Residents should therefore remain aware of official emergency notifications and be prepared to follow instructions if authorities announce changes.
Mount Jack Fire Location
The Mount Jack wildfire is burning:
Approximately four kilometres west of the Sooke River and south of Mount Jack, in the Sooke Hills.
The fire’s location places it west of the main populated area of Sooke.
Although the wildfire is not currently reported to threaten public safety or critical infrastructure, smoke and firefighting aircraft may be noticeable across a broad area.
Residents should avoid entering areas where firefighting operations are taking place.
Warm, Dry Conditions Fuel Fire Activity
Weather conditions have contributed to increased wildfire activity across Vancouver Island.
BC Wildfire Service reported that fire activity at Mount Jack increased significantly Monday.
The combination of dry fuels, warm temperatures and changing winds can cause wildfire behaviour to become more aggressive and unpredictable.
Environment Canada was forecasting rain for parts of Vancouver Island, although the timing and amount of rainfall could vary considerably by location.
Rain could eventually help reduce fire behaviour, but officials have not indicated that the Mount Jack wildfire is under control.
Several Vancouver Island Fires Remain Out of Control
Mount Jack is not the only Vancouver Island wildfire currently requiring attention.
As of Monday afternoon, BC Wildfire Service also listed several other fires as out of control, including:
- Nitinat Main wildfire — approximately 12 hectares
- Thistle Mine Road wildfire — approximately five hectares
- Pat Phillip Creek wildfire — approximately 0.3 hectares
- Rogers Creek wildfire — approximately 0.1 hectares
The fires are located in different areas and have different levels of activity and suppression response.
The Mount Jack wildfire is currently among the larger and more active fires in the region.
What Sooke Residents Should Know
Residents should continue monitoring official information as firefighters work to contain the blaze.
People in the area should:
- Stay away from active firefighting operations.
- Watch for smoke and changing conditions.
- Follow evacuation instructions if they are issued.
- Avoid flying drones near the fire.
- Keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.
- Check official wildfire maps for changes.
- Avoid spreading unverified information about the fire.
Drones can be particularly dangerous around wildfire aircraft because they can interfere with helicopters and airtankers.
How to Report a New Wildfire
BC Wildfire Service advises residents to report new wildfires by calling 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a cellphone.
Anyone reporting a fire should provide the location as accurately as possible and avoid putting themselves in danger while attempting to obtain information.
People should not approach the Mount Jack fire to take photographs or video.
Mount Jack Wildfire Investigation
The precise cause of the Mount Jack wildfire has not been established in the information currently available.
Officials have classified the fire and are coordinating suppression efforts, but additional investigation may be required to determine how it started.
Until authorities release a confirmed cause, it would be inappropriate to speculate about whether the fire resulted from human activity, equipment, lightning or another source.
Latest Sooke Fire Update
The latest available information shows that the Mount Jack wildfire has grown to approximately 35 hectares and remains out of control.
Fire behaviour increased significantly Monday, and further growth was expected. Ground crews, helicopters and airtankers are continuing efforts to suppress the fire.
Smoke may be visible across Sooke, Greater Victoria and the Cowichan Valley.
At the latest update, BC Wildfire Service said the fire did not pose a current threat to public safety or critical infrastructure, and no evacuation alert or order appeared in the province’s public evacuation layer.
However, officials have emphasized that the situation is dynamic.
Final Update on the Sooke Fire Today
The Mount Jack wildfire near Sooke has become a significant firefighting operation on Vancouver Island, growing to approximately 35 hectares while remaining classified as out of control.
Crews and aircraft are working to contain the blaze, while smoke from the fire may be visible across a wide portion of southern Vancouver Island.
For residents of Sooke and surrounding communities, the most important information is that the fire was not reported to pose an immediate threat to public safety or critical infrastructure at the latest update.
Conditions can change rapidly, however, and residents should continue monitoring official BC Wildfire Service and emergency-management updates.
Anyone near the wildfire should stay clear of firefighting operations, follow official instructions and avoid spreading unverified information about the fire’s size, location or potential threat.
Disclaimer: This article reflects wildfire information available on September 21, 2026. Fire size, behaviour, containment status, smoke conditions and public-safety information can change rapidly. Readers should rely on BC Wildfire Service and official emergency authorities for the latest updates.