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July 24 – Old Man Lake (Sooke) Fire
- The fire is 9km north of Sooke.
- There are approximately 40 BCWS crews currently on scene.
- There are currently no municipal fire crews working this fire.
- No structures are currently at risk.
- There have been no known injuries at this time.
- The fire perimeter currently sits at 169 hectares (417 acres).
- The bottom (heal) of the fire remains unchanged and is stable.
- There is steep broken terrain on the north and south sides (flanks) of the fire.
- Crews are dealing with safety issues such as steep slops and rolling debris.
- The fire is 5km from the watershed.
- Perimeter control lines have been established.
- Temperatures are expected to dip to seasonal.
- Fire rank is at 2/3 – with some candling (low & moderate vigorous surface fire).
- Wind continues to be watched closely.
- CRD has closed the local parks, a portion of the Galloping Goose and reports of closing Sooke Hills Park tomorrow.
- The fire is currently deemed Out of Control – (This definition means the fire is s till spreading and aggressive control methods have been established).
- District of Metchosin has not been directly impacted.
- The Metchosin EOC & ESS volunteers have connected and are supporting Sooke EOC/ESS when/if deemed necessary.
- District of Metchosin has not activated the EOC.
- If you have any questions or concerns regarding the fire:
- email firechief@metchosinfire.ca.
- text 250-883-4472 /
- call 250-478-1307
- We will attempt to update FaceBook & Local websites when new information is received.
Full Campfire Ban in Effect
All open burning is now prohibited within Metchosin until October 1, 2024.
Propane fire pits are allowed.
METCHOSIN FIRESMART
We have been fortunate to receive several exciting grant opportunities to support and engage in FireSmart activities throughout Metchosin and Sc’ianew First Nation.
- Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan
- FireSmart Home Assessments
- Local Chipping Program
- FireSmart Home Rebates
Keep your eyes on our Metchosin FireSmart Facebook Page
The District of Metchosin encompasses 17,396 acres of varying terrain and over 2,000 acres of foreshore. This very rural community is home to 5,000 residents, four schools, a Federal prison, three military bases, several fuel marinas and a First Nations Reserve.
The Metchosin Fire Department consists of 1 fire station and 38 volunteer firefighters. Our Firehall is situated in the Village core and is the hub of many community events. Four full-time firefighting personnel are staffed by the District and respond to emergencies during normal business hours Monday to Friday.
The Fire Department responds to approximately 450 calls per year, which include various public assists, fires, motor vehicle accidents and medical emergencies. Apparatus include 3 engines, 1 tanker, 1 rescue, 1 duty vehicles for transporting personnel and additional equipment, and an all terrain vehicle for remote rescues.
All fire calls are dispatched through the CRD Fire Dispatch centre in Langford. All volunteers are required to carry pagers, supplied to them by the Fire Department, for notification purposes. When an emergency arises, volunteers are to respond directly to the fire station for response.
All volunteers share in the responsibility for the maintenance of apparatus and equipment. Volunteers are responsible to assist with cleaning of apparatus and equipment after an emergency incident and training sessions.
Under the direction of the Fire Chief and Training Officers, all firefighters are required to participate in the training program which incorporates and emphasizes safety and education. Additionally all active members of the Fire Department, are also required to assist and participate in various community activities and public education events throughout the year.