Area Closures Due to Old Man Lake Wildfire

Jul 22, 2024 (updated Oct 31, 2024, 11:43am)

As of October 31, some CRD parks and trails in the Sooke area remain closed until further notice.

As of October 31, 2024, BC Wildfire Service has officially declared the Old Man Lake Wildfire "Out."

The Old Man Lake Wildfire, which started in Sea to Sea Regional Park on July 22, was previously listed as ‘under control’ by BC Wildfire Service on August 7.

With the wildfire being officially declared out, the Capital Regional District (CRD) has re-opened the remainder of official trails and parking lots within Sooke Potholes Regional Park. The Spring Salmon Place (KWL-UCHUN) Campground remains closed for the season, as it does annually. It will reopen for May long weekend 2025.

This update means that all official trails in Sea to Sea Regional Park and Sooke Potholes Regional Park are now open. The following area and park closures will remain in place through winter for public safety, due to continued slope stability and danger tree risks:

  • The final three kilometers of the Galloping Goose Regional Trail remain closed north of Spring Salmon Place Campground.
  • Kapoor Regional Park remains closed.

For your safety, stay out of the closure areas and remain on official park trails at all times. It is expected that rain events through winter will continue to bring down debris loosened by the wildfire in closed areas. Through winter, staff will continue to monitor, assess, and mitigate risks to public safety in these areas.

It is expected that remaining area closures could be lifted in spring once weather conditions improve and slope stability and danger trees are re-assessed. Any updates, when available, will be made in this alert.

See the updated park and trail closure map.