Skip to content

Out of control, Muir Creek fire has grown to one hectare

Wind has spread the previously controlled fire northwest of Sooke
25911012_web1_210729-SNM-shirley-wildfire-_1

The Muir Creek wildfire north of Shirley is growing and out of control, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.

The one-hectare fire was discovered on Friday and under control, but on Wednesday, firefighters found a hot spot that had been fanned into flame by the wind.

Shirley is located 20 kilometres west of Sooke.

Wildfire officials suspect the blaze was human-caused.

The B.C. Wildfire Service said there’s no infrastructure or buildings currently at risk. The land is privately owned by Mosaic Forest Management.

READ MORE: B.C. wildfires ‘graphic’ evidence of climate change, premier says

It’s the only fire burning on Vancouver Island. The Coastal Fire Centre, which covers Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii and the vast south coast from Bella Bella to the Lower Mainland, has nine fires burning.

275 fires are burning across the province, with a full third suspected of being caused by a person. A third of the fires were started by lightning, and a third is unknown. Almost half of the 275 active fires are considered under control; 33 per cent are out of control.

To report a wildfire, please telephone 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a cellphone.


Do you have a story tip? Email: zoe.ducklow@blackpress.ca.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.