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Grass Fire in Victoria Highlights Extreme Fire Danger
A recent grass fire incident in Victoria underscores the urgent need to recognize the heightened fire risks present in the area. The flames ignited on Tuesday along Highway 17 near Royal Oak Drive and rapidly spread, alarming residents and onlookers.
Jason Salsbury, manager of the Wildwood Outdoor Living Centre situated nearby, recounted the scene: “When we came out the grass was completely engulfed. The fire was impressive and moving fast.” He emphasized the dryness of the grass, noting that the entire area was scorched within a mere 15 to 20 minutes. “When there was a gust of wind, the flames reached about 10 feet tall quickly,” he added.
Fortunately, a vacuum truck brimming with thousands of litres of water happened to be passing by at the time and stopped to assist. According to Curtis Harold, general manager of H2X Contracting, the crew quickly took action. “They proceeded to do what they could before the fire department arrived,” he explained. “The early intervention likely saved some trees and reduced the potential damage. First response in these situations is critical.”
Once firefighters reached the scene, they were able to suppress the flames within approximately 10 minutes, managing to prevent any damage to surrounding structures, Salsbury noted. The quick response reflects the current fire danger rating across the Capital Regional District (CRD), which stands at 5, indicating extreme conditions.
Meanwhile, 40 kilometres to the west, crews from the BC Wildfire Service and CRD are actively combatting the Old Man Lake fire in the vicinity of Sooke Potholes Regional Park. This fire has expanded to 169 hectares since its detection on Monday, leading to the closure of the park. Fortunately, fire officials report that the blaze is moving away from critical infrastructure.
Fire information officer Sam Bellion provided reassurance regarding the Old Man Lake fire, stating, “I can confirm that growth on this fire is trending towards the inaccessible or unsuppressed flanks, away from the community and critical infrastructure such as watersheds.” Crews are continuously monitoring weather conditions and fire behavior to ensure the safety of both personnel and nearby residents.
The quick spread of the grass fire in Victoria serves as a stark reminder of how swiftly fires can escalate under dry conditions. Salsbury remarked on the shocking nature of witnessing such an event so close to home: “You see it on the news, it’s always somewhere else. But when you see it across the street, it’s a different experience. It was difficult for us to grasp how fast it happened. So, be smart.”
As authorities continue to investigate the cause of the grass fire, the incident emphasizes the importance of vigilance and preparedness during heightened fire risk periods.
Source
globalnews.ca