BREAKING NEWS: BCWS: Shetland Creek wildfire of note being “held” in important milestone

The Shetland Creek wildfire is classified as being held as of Sunday (Aug. 18) afternoon.

One of four wildfires of note in B.C., the blaze is listed at 27,956 hectares on the BC Wildfire Service website, but it is not likely to spread further under forecast conditions.

The fire which was discovered on July 12, and remains a wildfire of note.

The wildfire forced the evacuation of hundreds from their homes and put many communities on evacuation alert between Spences Bridge and  Ashcroft and destroyed at least 20 structures including six homes in the Venables Valley.

The wildfire service posted on twitter on Sunday to note crews have hard work ahead and will use hand tools to dig out hot spots and turn over and moisten earth to remove remaining heat from the fire.

In the post, the service says the change in designation marks an important milestone and thanks multiple partners for helping to rid the blaze of out-of-control status, including First Nation partners and colleagues from Australia, Ontario and the Northwest Territories.