The Grass Lake wildfire was discovered Monday, east of the Sooke Potholes Park, and was classified as out of control.
The Capital Regional District has closed some trails around a wildfire burning in Sea to Sea Regional Park.
The Grass Lake wildfire was discovered Monday, east of the Sooke Potholes Park, and was classified as out of control. The fire has burned an estimated 1.2 hectares, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.
The service said in an update Tuesday that there was no significant growth in the fire, noting the eastern flank of the blaze was most active and rolling debris has been observed.
One helicopter and 16 crew are currently fighting the fire, which is suspected to be human-caused.
The wildfire service said fire retardant was dropped Monday around the perimeter and at its centre. The drop was intended to prevent the spread and to cool the centre of the blaze.
“When flames come in contact with the retardant, it reacts with it, releasing a combination of water and carbon dioxide,” said the service in an update. “This helps cool and suffocate the flames.”
The fire is described as a slow smouldering ground fire with white smoke. There are, however, pockets of a “low vigour surface fire.”
The Capital Regional District has closed all trails within one kilometre of the fire, including Harrison, Grassy Bluffs and Grass Lake trails. The CRD said the closures will allow firefighters the space they need to work.
Five other fires on the Island are all considered “under control,” meaning none are expected to spread beyond their current perimeters.
dkloster@timescolonist