VANCOUVER, B.C. People searching for “Vancouver fire now” on September 23, 2026, may encounter reports about a significant wildfire burning on southern Vancouver Island. However, the Mount Jack wildfire is not located inside the City of Vancouver.
The wildfire was discovered near Sooke on September 20 and was reported as burning out of control. By September 22, the fire had grown rapidly to approximately 100 hectares, according to local reporting based on information from the BC Wildfire Service.
Mount Jack Wildfire Near Sooke
The Mount Jack wildfire is burning approximately four kilometres west of the Sooke River and south of Mount Jack on southern Vancouver Island.
Warm and dry conditions contributed to increased fire behaviour as the wildfire expanded. Fire crews have been working to contain the blaze, with helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment being used as part of the suppression response.
Smoke from the wildfire has been visible across parts of southern Vancouver Island, including Greater Victoria and communities farther north.
Is Vancouver in Danger From the Fire?
The latest available information did not indicate that the Mount Jack wildfire posed a threat to public safety or critical infrastructure.
The District of Sooke also reported that the wildfire was outside municipal boundaries and was not threatening homes in the community at the time of the latest update.
However, wildfire conditions can change rapidly, particularly when weather and wind conditions contribute to increased fire activity.
Vancouver Fire vs. Vancouver Island Wildfire
The location of the Mount Jack wildfire is important because Vancouver and Vancouver Island are separate geographic areas.
The fire is burning near Sooke on Vancouver Island, while the City of Vancouver is located on the mainland of British Columbia.
Smoke from a Vancouver Island wildfire can travel into other areas depending on weather conditions, but visible smoke or changing air quality does not necessarily mean there is an active wildfire inside Vancouver itself.
As of the latest information reviewed, there was no major new fire inside the City of Vancouver confirmed under the “Vancouver fire now” description.
Mount Jack Fire: Latest Details
| Detail | Latest information |
|---|---|
| Wildfire | Mount Jack |
| Location | Southern Vancouver Island, near Sooke |
| Discovered | September 20, 2026 |
| Status | Out of control |
| Reported size by September 22 | Approximately 100 hectares |
| Location description | About 4 km west of the Sooke River and south of Mount Jack |
| Smoke | Visible across Greater Victoria and surrounding communities |
| Public-safety threat | None reported at latest update |
| Critical infrastructure threat | None reported at latest update |
| City of Vancouver fire confirmed? | No major new fire confirmed in the information reviewed |
Fire Crews Continue Suppression Efforts
Crews responding to the Mount Jack wildfire have been using aircraft and heavy equipment alongside ground-based firefighting resources.
The rapid increase in the reported size of the fire has drawn attention across southern Vancouver Island, particularly as smoke becomes visible in surrounding communities.
Residents in affected areas should continue to monitor official wildfire and emergency-management updates for changes involving evacuation alerts, air quality, road conditions or other safety measures.
Disclaimer
This article is based on wildfire information available through September 22, 2026. Wildfires can change rapidly, and the reported size, fire behaviour, smoke conditions and public-safety situation may change after publication. The Mount Jack wildfire described here is near Sooke on Vancouver Island and should not be confused with a confirmed wildfire inside the City of Vancouver.