Slave Lake residents are making their return into town Friday. Workers of essential services such as grocery stores, banks and pharmacies made their way in a day ago to prepare as the rest of evacuated residents arrive.
Residents who live north of the C.N. railroad tracks, including the Sawridge First Nation and the M.D. of Lesser Slave River were permitted to return starting at 8 a.m. All other residents were asked to make their return at 1 p.m.
But with traffic being a bit on the slow side, RCMP say they welcomed anyone who showed up.
"It's going to be emotional to see that place," said Slave Lake resident Angela Bartlett.
The mayor told CTV News only residents with homes still standing are being let in. Those with destroyed homes cannot return to town at this point. Officials say those who do not have a home to return to should remain in their current accommodations and contact 780-849-8681 to discuss their housing needs and options.
Officials told media there is no longer a threat of wildfires re-starting in Slave Lake, Sawridge or the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River.
Vital services such as power, natural gas, and phone have been restored. Water services have been restored but a boil water advisory is still in effect.
Bruce and Irene Bateman returned to their home Friday afternoon. Without power, many residents will find the contents of their fridge have turned to waste.
"I don't know what's in there because there was a salmon in there," Irene said while pointing to her fridge.
This couple, along with about 7,000 residents, had to leave quickly nearly two weeks ago when wildfires ripped through the town.
"You could see the embers, there were some that were the size of a golf ball, hitting the street and spraying sparks everywhere," said Bruce.
More than 400 homes in the area were destroyed by fire.
Crews have managed to fence in all areas in town that are considered to be dangerous. Officials are asking residents to stay away from those areas.
The ER at the local hospital is already up and running. Grocery store staff, pharmacy workers, and bank employees were back at work Thursday to prepare for the mass return.
But there is still a long road ahead for the Town of Slave Lake. Many appliances have to be disposed of, and utilities across town need to be switched back on.
Residents are being invited to visit the local school where a community social centre has been set up.
The centre will act as a one-stop location for information and services that residents will need during and after their return to the community. Services include counselling, childcare and housing/insurance information.
Residents who are unable to attend in person can call the centre at 780-849-8175.
And while the fire risk has been eliminated in Slave Lake, two new wildfires have sparked across the province. There are presently 36 wildfires in Alberta, with four that are listed as out of control.
With files from Bill Fortier
