The village of Fort Simpson is lifting its evacuation order and allowing residents to start returning home on Saturday.

This comes after nearly three weeks of being displaced.

The state of emergency will be lifted at 8 a.m. on Saturday and an evacuation alert will remain in place.

Fort Simpson Mayor Les Wright spoke with CBC News on Friday evening about the plans to lift the evacuation order and details of it were shared on Fort Simpson’s website shortly after.

No northbound traffic will be allowed on the ferry to the community until that time, says Wright. 

“We encourage them to drive safe,” he told CBC News. “There will be increased highways personnel and RCMP patrolling to ensure safety.”

He said all residents will be allowed in. Essential workers have been steadily returning, preparing for the homecoming. 

“We have been getting people in place for the last couple of days, but couldn’t plan a re-entry with the weather and fire activity,” he said. 

For those who require transportation back, registration will take place in person at the Yellowknife Multiplex, or for those staying at the Quality Inn in the lobby, from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.

The village stated this will be the only transportation opportunity it will provide. A shuttle service will run from the Multiplex to the airport, with the final bus departing at 12:45 p.m. Those taking the flights are allowed one checked bag and one personal item only, and only designated service animals will be permitted.

The village is asking residents to pick up any dogs that were left behind in the community from the high school field as soon as possible.

Wrigley residents will have to wait to return until their own order is lifted. Wright said they won’t be allowed to cross on the ferry until that happens.

As of Friday evening, there had been no updates on when the Wrigley evacuation order will be lifted. But Pehdzéh Kı̨ First Nation Chief Jamie Moses did confirm that he would be meeting with the territorial government on Saturday morning to discuss Wrigley’s plans.

On Wednesday, the village of Fort Simpson released the phased re-entry plan. The lifting of the evacuation order represents phase two, after critical community services have been restored. 

However the village also reminds residents that while the immediate threat to the community has been reduced, wildfire activity may still continue. Fort Simpson experienced flareups on Wednesday because of increased wind and rising temperatures. Residents should expect smoke and continued wildfire suppression activities.

Those returning immediately should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours, according to the village, which means ensuring they have prescription medications, food, water, infant and pet supplies, as well as any other essential supplies. 

Vulnerable populations, like assisted living residents, will begin returning home later, once appropriate care is available. 

Regardless of when people return, fire officials say they should be prepared for what they’re coming home to. 

“The community in certain areas looks quite different than it did when folks left. And that may bring up a lot of emotions,” said fire information officer Sarah Hall. She said community members should brace themselves for burned areas, downed trees, and black earth. “Essentially mentally preparing for that transition back into your community, but a community that is still the same but looks different.”