The south-east corner of Slave Lake, was destroyed by fires. An aerial view around Slave Lake, Alberta on May 19, 2011.Jimmy Jeong
The mayor of Slave Lake says residents of the fire-scarred town in northern Alberta could be returning home within days.
Karina Pillay-Kinnee has outlined a plan that calls for evacuees to go back to their town in three stages.
She said essential workers at hospitals, utilities and the municipality will be allowed back Wednesday.
If that goes well, staff from businesses such as banks and grocery stores will be able to return Thursday.
Town residents will be able to go home on Friday - as long as there are no problems.
Ms. Pillay-Kinnee said cleanup and repair crews have been working non-stop, and power and utility workers are ready to start reconnecting services.
More to come.