Mount Jack Fire Grows to 276 Hectares, Determined Human-Caused

The out-of-control Mount Jack wildfire west of Sooke, BC grew to 276 hectares as of Sept 24, up from 210.4 hectares the day before, as steep terrain and persistently dry fuels continued to challenge suppression crews. BC Wildfire Service determined the fire was human-caused. Heavy smoke blanketed Greater Victoria and limited aircraft visibility, grounding helicopter bucketing operations for parts of Wednesday. Firefighting resources grew to roughly 60 ground personnel backed by heavy equipment and aviation crews using direct and indirect attack; officials said the fire remains well-resourced and continues to pose no threat to structures or critical infrastructure. The Capital Regional District kept the Galloping Goose Regional Trail and Kapoor Regional Park closed as a precaution. Cooler temperatures and possible rain were forecast to aid containment in the following days.