Fire officials in Lillooet, B.C., have confirmed the roughly 2,300 residents forced from their properties Sunday night are allowed to head home.
The evacuation order was lifted at noon on Thurdsay, but fire officers warn the 3,800 hectare Mount McLean blaze could still force another evacuation.
"We're hesitantly optimistic that we're getting the upper hand, but mother nature may deal us another blow," fire behaviour specialist Dana Hicks said.
Highly dangerous burn-off operations during the week appear to have effectively removed the fuel lying between the eastern front of the fire and the west side of Lillooet, but officials remain vigilant.
"There's still a considerable amount of danger left here," Fire information officer Garry Horley said. "This fire isn't out by any means."
Crews are working to soak the perimeter of the town, and firefighters are preparing to conduct another burn-off operation on the western flank of the fire today to prevent further growth.
Campers and residents still not taking precautions
In the meantime, many more government staff will be in the woods this weekend watching for anyone flouting fire rules.
Forests Minister Pat Bell says ministry staff have handed out 54 tickets to tourists, campers and residents who have been careless with fire in the woods.
"There's not going to be any warnings anymore for anyone caught in the bush, whether it's discarding a cigarette or lighting a campfire. It will immediately lead to a fine," said Bell.
Those fines range from $173 for a tossed cigarette to $1 million and even prison time.
"We need everyone to know that this is going to start hitting them in the wallet," Bell said.
Fire threat easing in other regions
About 50 residents of Brookmere, south of Merritt, were allowed home Wednesday night.
The Brookmere fire is close to 90 per cent contained, allowing officials to replace the evacuation order with an alert.
In the Central Okanagan, 360 residents evacuated by the Terrace Mountain fire were also allowed to return home Thursday morning. They, too, remain on alert.
For information on the Mount McLean fire and other major fires burning in the province, residents can call a new information line at 1-888-350-6070.
With files from The Canadian Press
