Otter Point, Sooke, Shirley, East Sooke and Metchosin fire departments responded to the call of a “fairly significant” brush fire at the 3100 block of Otter Point Road on Sunday evening.
“It was going pretty fast with the wind, but luckily, they managed to put it out,” said Sooke Fire Chief Steven Sorensen.
First responders evacuated 10 houses as a precautionary measure, and the owners were able to return around 9:30 p.m.. There was no structure damage to any of the buildings.
Exact cause of the fire is under investigation.
A second brush fire, albeit minor, broke out at 3050 Otter Point Rd. on Monday afternoon. The fire was subdued by Otter Point Fire Department as well as Sooke Fire Department.
Sorensen said he can’t emphasize enough the importance of vigilance during extreme weather conditions.
“It is extremely dry in the Sooke area. I cannot emphasize how serious the potential for a major wildland fire is for this area,” he said.
“The last thing we need is someone adding to the potential by improper disposal of a cigarette butt. And if you do see a fire, report it immediately no matter the size. A little fire can grow to dramatic size in no time, especially if we have some wind.
If you see a fire call 911 or the B.C. Wildfire Service at 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on your cell.