80,000 people fled from Fort McMurray back on May 3—about half of those people are expected to return home this week, beginning on Wednesday.

For the past four weeks, crews have been working diligently to prepare the city for phase one of re-entry plans. More than 100 RCMP officers are assisting with the return.

Firefighters raised Canadian, Alberta and Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo flags above Highway 63, welcoming those coming back home. As well, six new signs were set up along the road.

Returning residents are being urged to stock up on food, water and gas. In a statement Tuesday, Premier Rachel Notley reminded residents Fort McMurray is “not the city that residents left behind a month ago.”

About 500 homes in the Abasand, Beacon Hill and Waterways Area were deemed unsafe for re-entry. The news came after tests found toxic chemicals in air and soil samples nearby. Families in those areas could be displaced for a few more months.

The wildfire currently covers about 580,000 hectares and continues to burn out of control.