VANCOUVER, B.C. — People searching for “Vancouver fire now” on September 23, 2026, should distinguish the City of Vancouver from a significant wildfire currently burning on southern Vancouver Island.
The Mount Jack wildfire, located near Sooke, was discovered on September 20 and was reported as burning out of control. By September 22, the fire had expanded rapidly to approximately 100 hectares, according to local reporting based on BC Wildfire Service information.
Mount Jack Fire Near Sooke
The wildfire is burning about four kilometres west of the Sooke River and south of Mount Jack. Fire behaviour increased as warm and dry conditions contributed to its growth.
Crews have been working on suppression efforts with assistance from helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment. Smoke from the fire has been visible across parts of southern Vancouver Island, including Greater Victoria and communities farther north.
Despite the rapid increase in the fire’s reported size, BC Wildfire Service said the Mount Jack wildfire did not currently pose a threat to public safety or critical infrastructure. The District of Sooke also reported that the fire was outside municipal boundaries and was not threatening homes in the community at the time of the update.
Not a Fire in Vancouver City
The location is important when interpreting online reports. Sooke and Vancouver are separate communities, and Vancouver Island is geographically distinct from the City of Vancouver.
Smoke may affect visibility and air quality in surrounding regions, but that does not mean a wildfire is burning inside Vancouver itself. A weather report also indicated that smoke from Vancouver Island could affect the Lower Mainland as conditions changed.
As of the latest reporting reviewed, no major new fire inside the City of Vancouver has been independently confirmed under the “Vancouver fire now” description.
Key Details
| Detail | Latest information |
|---|---|
| Wildfire | Mount Jack |
| Location | Southern Vancouver Island, near Sooke |
| Discovered | September 20, 2026 |
| Status | Out of control |
| Reported size by Sept. 22 | Approximately 100 hectares |
| Location description | About 4 km west of Sooke River and south of Mount Jack |
| Smoke | Visible across Greater Victoria and surrounding communities |
| Public-safety threat | None reported at latest update |
| Infrastructure threat | None reported at latest update |
| City of Vancouver fire confirmed? | No major new fire confirmed in sources reviewed |
Accuracy note: Wildfire conditions can change quickly. The latest figures above reflect reporting available through September 22, 2026, and should not be interpreted as a real-time fire perimeter or evacuation notice.