Updated September 9, 2021 – The Fire Danger Rating is now HIGH. As a result of the downgrade from EXTREME, the probation on High-Risk Activities has been lifted.
A campfire ban remains in effect for South Vancouver Island. The campfire prohibition will remain in effect until noon on October 15, 2021, or until the order is rescinded.
Extreme Fire Danger Rating: High-Risk Activities Prohibited
Monday, July 19, 2021 – “Extreme Fire Danger Rating” is in effect. As a result of remaining at the extreme rating for three consecutive days, high-risk activities are prohibited.
“Extreme Fire Danger” is defined as “extremely dry forest fuels and the fire risk is very serious”. New fires will start easily, spread rapidly, and challenge fire suppression efforts. During Extreme fire rating conditions, and in adherence with the Wildfire Act (Wildfire Regulation, Section 6), the following activities are not permitted within the District of Sooke until the Fire Danger Rating is downgraded from “Extreme” to “High” for at least three consecutive days:
- (a) mechanical brushing;
- (b) disk trenching;
- (c) preparation or use of explosives;
- (d) using fire- or spark-producing tools, including cutting tools;
- (e) using or preparing fireworks or pyrotechnics;
- (f) grinding, including rail grinding;
- (g) mechanical land clearing;
- (h) clearing and maintaining rights of way, including grass mowing (specifically, flail mowers – personal lawn mowing is still permissible).
- (i) any of the following activities carried out in a cutblock excluding a road, landing, roadside work area or log sort area in the cutblock:
- (i) operating a power saw;
- (ii) mechanical tree felling, woody debris piling or tree processing, including de-limbing;
- (iii) welding;
- (iv) portable wood chipping, milling, processing or manufacturing;
- (v) skidding logs or log forwarding unless it is improbable that the skidding or forwarding will result in the equipment contacting rock;
- (vi) yarding logs using cable systems;
Sooke Fire Rescue reminds smokers to dispose of cigarette butts responsibly. Report any irresponsible behaviour that could start a wildfire, such as throwing a cigarette butt from a car or dropping cigarette butts in areas that could cause a fire, call *5555 or 1-800-663-5555.
Please report any fires directly to 911. Report any unauthorized activity that poses a risk of fire to the Sooke Fire Department at 250.642.5422.
Our combined efforts help prevent human-caused wildfires and structure fires, protect our natural environment and ensure public safety. Thank you for keeping our community safe.
Media Contact:
Matt Barney, Deputy Chief/Fire Prevention Officer
District of Sooke Fire Rescue Dept.
250-642-5422 | mbarney@sooke.ca
