**DoS Annual Mock Training Exercise***
UPDATE #4 9:30PM: Firefighters have been successful in efforts to protect the Erinan Estates development and the nearby fire has been contained. The Mayor has Cancelled the Local State of Emergency and the Evacuation Order has been Rescinded. All residents can now return home safely. Firefighters will continue with mop up efforts and will monitor the area.
UPDATE #3 8:26PM: Firefighter’s efforts suppressing and containing the fire are being aided by cooling temperatures. The fire is currently just under 3 acres in size. A defensive water stand on Spar Tree Way is currently being established. The Evacuation Order is still in place and evacuees are flowing into the Emergency Reception Centre to register and receive referrals for food, clothing and lodging if unable to stay with friends and family. Evacuees must register if in need of support.
UPDATE #2 7:31PM: Mayor Tait has declared a Local State of Emergency and an Evacuation Order has been issued for the Erinan Estates Development only. RCMP are on the ground to advise Erinan Estates residents of the Evacuation Order. Evacuees are asked to report to the Emergency Reception Centre at Edward Milne Community School gym at 6218 Sooke Road.
UPDATE #1 6:35PM: The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Activation level has been ramped up to a level 2 to support the potential threat of the wildfire. This means that the threat is moderate to the Erinan Estates Development area – and that several agencies are involved. Limited evacuations may be made – but there is still NO EVACUATION ORDER in effect. Please remain calm and stay tuned for updates.
NEWS RELEASE:
At a 5:30pm on June 28, 2018, a spot fire was located near the western boundary of the District of Sooke near Kemp Lake on Butler Main. This spot fire has grown to a Rank 2 wildfire and is encroaching the Erinan Estates Development. An Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Level 1 has been activated as a result of the wildland fire and located at the District of Sooke municipal hall.
Members of the Sooke and Otter Point Fire Departments, the Sooke RCMP detachment and Sooke’s BC Ambulance Service are currently on the ground responding to the incident with updates to follow. Firefighters are responding to contain and suppress the fire (approx. 2 acres in size), while preparing to perform structural protection on the dwellings within the Erinan Estates Development. Local RCMP will be on the ground advising Erinan Estates Development residents on next steps. If an Evacuation Order is required, residents will be advised. If an Evacuation Order is made for Erinan residents, an Emergency Reception Centre will be opened up to register evacuees at the EMCS (high school) gym at 6218 Sooke Road. All other residents of Sooke are asked to remain calm and are currently safe to shelter in place (stay at home).
The cause of the spot fire is due to heavy winds carrying sparks from a larger, contained fire near the community of Shirley, in the Blueberry Flats area. The threat is currently localized to the Erinan Estates Development at this time. If this should change, another notification will be posted on the District of Sooke website (www.sooke.ca) as well as updates shared on the District social media channels, Twitter: SookeCa; and, Facebook: Sooke Emergency Program.
Any inquires should be directed to Kenn Mount, Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Director or Julie Barlow, EOC Information Officer, by call the EOC: 250-642-5798