Fort Chipewyan residents can start preparing to go back home soon.

Alberta Wildfire has announced 100 per cent control of the southern perimeter, and says the evacuation order can be lifted when all essential services in Fort Chipewyan are ready for those returning home.

The evacuation order remains in place but a phased re-entry process is scheduled to start this week.

Phase one is already underway with the focus being on the return of essential services to support residents re-entering.

If you are a part of this phase, you will be contacted with travel arrangement information.

Phase two is scheduled to begin this Thursday, June 22nd, with a focus on the re-entry of the general public and land users.

Re-entry can happen by boat or air.

Flights will be scheduled over a few days, with multiple flights each day.

Those returning by boat are asked to check in at the Fort McKay Esso gas station on June 22nd.

Free gas will be provided and the river will be patrolled until 7 p.m. that day.

Phase three will see the return of vulnerable community members, and will occur when the community is fully safe and all services are restored.

Special transportation that includes support and consideration for mobility needs will be provided to those members.

Representatives from the Nations will let Fort Chipewyan community members know when their flight is scheduled.

Those in the community looking for more information are asked to contact your Nation, ask support staff at your hotel, or can visit rmwb.ca/FortChip.