The Shetland Creek wildfire near Spences Bridge is no longer considered to be a wildfire of note.

BC Wildfire Service Information Officer Paula Walbauer says it comes a few days after the lightning caused fire was listed as being held at 280 square kilometres in size.

Speaking on the NL Noon Report, Walbauer says BC Wildfire Service crews continue to make progress on the fire, which was discovered on July 12.

“The southwest and the west flanks along Murray Creek have been the most active area of the fire for us,” she said. “I’ve been here for two weeks. We do still have crews and equipment working in those areas.”

The Wildfire Service notes there has been little fire activity near Spences Bridge and in the Venables Valley over the last several days, with crews working to identify and extinguish hotspots.

“Isolated hot spots within the perimeter may continue to generate smoke along the Highway 1 corridor,” it said, in a statement, that noted “critical rehabilitation” is taking place at Spences Bridge.

Walbauer says crews are anticipating a significant amount of rain going into this weekend, telling Radio NL while it will help further reduce fire behaviour, it could also lead to challenging conditions.

“Definitely top of mind for us right now,” Walbauer said. “We’ll definitely watch and wait for tomorrow to ensure that we’re keeping our crews safe. If need be not have them go out on the line tomorrow on the roads during that heavy rain or in areas where hazards may occur.”

“If this fire were to receive a considerable amount of rain, you would definitely see a status update and crews would certainly as needed be redeployed to other of the province where they’re required.”

An area restriction remains in place for the Shetland Creek fire, which was discovered on July 12.

As it stands, evacuation orders remain in place for a handful of TNRD and some Cook’s Ferry Indian Band properties.