UPDATE July 26, 2024: Updates to the following bulletin clarify the risk to the watershed for Greater Victoria’s water supply, which remains low. The CRD continues to coordinate with emergency crews, including the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) and local fire crews.
Should the status of regional parks and trails or CRD watershed conditions significantly change, the CRD will publish the latest information at www.crd.bc.ca/alerts and X @crd_bc. Updates on the wildfire status and response are posted on the BC Wildfire Service website.
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Victoria, BC - On July 22, a wildfire (Old Man Lake Wildfire) broke out near Sooke Potholes which has now spread into Sea to Sea Regional Park. As a precaution the CRD has CLOSED several regional parks and trails in the area including:
- Sea to Sea Regional Park
- Sooke Potholes Regional Park
- Spring Salmon Place (KWL-UCHUN) Campground
- The Galloping Goose Regional Trail is closed northbound at Kilometre 46, just south of the Todd Creek Trestle, at the boundary of Sea to Sea Regional Park
- Access to Kapoor Regional Park
In addition, the District of Sooke’s Potholes Gateway Park is closed, as are BC Parks in the area. Visitors are asked to avoid accessing these areas through other regional or provincial parks.
Due to fire behaviour, terrain, and wind direction, the wildfire does not currently pose a risk to the Greater Victoria watershed lands or water quality. Presently, the wildfire remains approximately 5 km to the south of the watershed area.
Emergency crews, including the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), local fire crews, and CRD staff are actively responding to the incident. The CRD and BCWS have identified containment lines between the wildfire and the watershed lands.
More information can be found on the BC Wildfire Service website.
Please visit www.crd.bc.ca/alerts and X @crd_bc for updates on the status of regional trail and recreation closures related to this incident.
LINK: Regional Park and Trail Closure Map – Old Man Lake Wildfire
The CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and government partners to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492