Williams Lake, B.C. – It may not be long before Williams Lake residents displaced by wildfires can return home.

In a Facebook post last night, Mayor Walt Cobb said the determining factor for return early next week will be the reopening of the highway and area roads and “what happens with the wind and the fires.”

Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb

He also cautioned that when a return home is announced, “it will not be a full return.”

“At this stage, there may be restrictions for anyone under 18 and will be at the discretion of the parents. That will be determined prior to the announcement,” said Cobb.

“Because of the air quality anyone with medical issues will not be able to return. Only those with their own transportation will be part of the return, the reason for that is in the event of the fires flaring up and the need to re-evacuate.”

He added the emergency room at the hospital should be up and running sometime Monday, two of the three power lines have been reinstated, at least one of the four grocery stores in town will be ready and supplied with most necessities and that one of the pharmacies will be available.

Cobb also said that evacuees in Kamloops and Prince George may return on different days depending on which roads are open to ensure an orderly return.

The City issued an evacuation order last weekend due to raging wildfires in the area.