FARGO, Ga. — The fire that has charred its way through the Okefenokee Swamp in recent weeks hasn’t grown appreciably in several days, and a firefighter said Sunday this has allowed crews to make serious inroads against the blaze.

The West Mims fire, first reported April 6, has stalled out around 152,000 acres, according to a statement from the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. More than 1,000 firefighters are attacking the blaze, together with seven helicopters, two air tankers and 135 fire engines.

“We’re keeping an eye on the weather,” said John Nicholls, firefighter and public information officer for the West Mims fire command post.

Thunderstorms moving across South Georgia in the next few days could bring not only much-needed rain but lightning that could trigger new fires, he said. During the last storm system a week and a half ago, one lightning strike triggered a small fire that crews quickly jumped on, Nicholls said.

Sunday a quarter-inch of rain fell on parts of the blaze, he said, and the National Weather Service expects up to half an inch to fall in spots Monday.

Because the fire has not grown much in recent days, firefighters have been able to deepen their lines and get to hot spots, Nicholls said.

Both the refuge and the Stephen C. Foster State Park, located within the refuge’s boundaries, remained close, and a no-fly zone remains in place over the fire.

Terry Richards is senior reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times.