A human-caused wildfire burning on Mt. Manuel Quimper above the community of Sooke is now fully contained. Sooke Fire Chief Kenn Mount says crews may be able to turn to the site back over to CRD Parks by tomorrow (Friday). BC Wildfire crews remain on scene offering support. Sooke Fire Department was also aided by crews from Otter Point, and Metchosin was on standby.
But what's frustrating to Mount is despite a campfire ban being enacted today due to tinder dry conditions, and the number of human-caused wildfires -- Sooke Fire crews had to respond to another fire last night:
" We at Sooke Fire and Rescue, we did have another brush fire last night we had to deal with too as soon as we came off site, as well. So we're still having problems in the community with the general lack of awareness.
Mount says the brush fire was in an area known for squatters who make campfires.
" It's been a problematic area. So it was definitely human-caused as well. It was small, about 20 metres by 20 metres in dimension. "
He says everyone needs to respect the conditions right now and realize careless, reckless behaviour poses a real threat to others and the environment.