Unprecedented dry conditions in the capital region are raising the risk of brush fires that pose a danger to both residents and responders, says Victoria’s fire chief.
Dan Atkinson held a news conference to emphasize that point Thursday at Summit Park near the intersection of Finlayson and Quadra Streets, where an overnight fire that burned just under half a hectare prompted some nearby residents to pull out hoses in case it spread.
“Obviously in Victoria we’re a fully urbanized centre but that doesn’t mean we’re without fire risk,” said Atkinson, standing next to ground blackened by the blaze.
The Summit Park fire is “a classic example” of that risk, he said, noting that it was in a hilly, rocky area with access challenges. Crews kept it in check, but wind and other factors can cause small fires to spread very quickly, he said.
“Within a matter of minutes it can double in size, no problem.”
The 4.5-hectare park has many grassy areas and a large stand of Garry oaks, and is bordered by houses.
Nine firefighters and two engine crews worked on the fire for over three hours, preventing it from spreading to neighbouring homes, Atkinson said.
Both that fire and a similar fire early Sunday along Dallas Road were likely human-caused, he said. “That’s not to suggest they’re intentional in nature, but certainly safe use of the park is critical as we continue to progress into these dry conditions.”
There is evidence of activity in the area of the Summit Park fire, including broken glass and cigarette butts, said Atkinson, adding the number of fires linked to the public’s actions is infuriating.
“We’re responding often late at night in low-light conditions [and] uneven terrain with slip hazards.”
Atkinson said he made a similar announcement two summers ago, saying that the dry conditions were the worst he’d seen, “and we’ve surpassed that, far surpassed that.”
Smoking is not allowed at any time in Victoria’s parks, and open burning is prohibited at all times of the year.
Atkinson said simple steps like keeping lawns cut and gutters clear can reduce a home’s fire risk.
Across the Island, the fire danger continues to be extreme. Four wildfires are burning, down from five now that a small fire in the Sooke area has been extinguished, said Coastal Fire Centre information officer Gordon Robinson.
Still active are a fire near Sayward that is being held at 230 hectares after being discovered in late May and the high-profile fire at Cameron Lake that has been affecting travel on Highway 4, which runs between the west coast and the rest of the Island. That fire is considered under control at 229 hectares.
Crews are also dealing with a spot fire northwest of Campbell River, listed as under control, and a 16.6-hectare fire in the Klanawa Valley near Nitinat that is also under control.
There have been 62 fires on the Island since the fire season began April 1, up from seven at this time last year, Robinson said.
“We’re much further advanced than we would normally be at this point in the season because we’ve had such a dry spring,” he said. “There’s really no end in sight to these current conditions. We’re likely going to be in this extreme situation for the entire summer.”
The Island has so far been largely spared from lightning-caused fires, Robinson said.
