The Old Man Lake fire erupted on July 22, serving as a stark wake-up call to our community's imminent danger. The wildfire, which rapidly expanded to nearly 200 hectares east of Sooke Potholes Regional Park, clearly indicates that we cannot rely on luck.
The two-lane Sooke River Bridge, a well-known traffic bottleneck, is a prime example of the infrastructural deficiencies that could have turned this near-miss into a catastrophic event. The daily gridlocks of 60 to 90 minutes for commuters and visitors on Highway 14 are already intolerable. The bridge could become a death trap in an emergency evacuation scenario.
The closure of the Galloping Goose Regional Trail due to the fire's proximity further highlights the fragility of our access routes. When crucial evacuation paths can be severed easily, the risk to lives and property escalates dramatically. Our firefighting response teams' formidable coordination and dedication, including three crews, three helicopters, and local firefighters and CRD workers, were heroic. But should our safety hinge on the extraordinary efforts of our emergency services every single time?
The reality is stark: these near misses will become more common as climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of wildfire seasons. We cannot afford to be complacent. The provincial government’s chronic underfunding of our infrastructure is no longer just a political talking point; it is a clear and present danger to our communities.
Immediate action is necessary. We must start by improving evacuation infrastructure, beginning with the notorious Sooke River Bridge. Enhanced fire prevention strategies, rigorous public education on fire safety, and stricter regulations on activities that could ignite fires are essential and urgent.
The evacuation of Sooke Potholes Regional Park and the nearby campground disrupted lives and plans, reminding us of our situation's precariousness. As the district enacted its emergency operations centre to coordinate responses, we must recognize that emergency preparedness is not just a bureaucratic duty but a moral imperative.
This close call should serve as a resounding wake-up call. The resilience and dedication of our emergency responders cannot be our sole defence. We must demand better from our provincial government. It is time for a collective push for robust infrastructure, comprehensive emergency plans, and a heightened sense of personal responsibility.
The Old Man Lake fire must be the catalyst for change. Let us not wait for the next wildfire to remind us of our vulnerabilities. We need to ensure that we are not just fortunate but prepared next time. The safety of our community depends on it.
