About 4,000 residents of Tumbler Ridge are heading home Wednesday, after being ordered out Monday because of four nearby forest fires.

The original evacuation order has been downgraded to an evacuation alert, thanks to cooler weather and some rain in the area 160 kilometres northeast of Prince George.

Fire fighter, Nathan Combs walks along Highway 52 northeast of Tumbler Ridge, B.C. (Jason Scott/Canadian Press)

The welcome news came from Evan Saugstad, the mayor of neighbouring Chetwynd, where many who left their homes have been staying.

However, Saugstad added: "People with health concerns should consider staying in Chetwynd because the air condition is still a consideration."

The Tumbler Ridge residents began the trek home at about 4 p.m., when the highway re-opened.

Residents could be ordered out again

The mayor's announcement at the Chetwynd recreational centre was greeted by smiles and applause.

The evacuation alert means that people still face the prospect of being ordered out again on short notice.

However, officials say that's unlikely as they have the Hourglass fire under control. It now covers 8,100 hectares with the nearest flames now eight kilometres from Tumbler Ridge.

Families in Chetwynd and Dawson Creek have opened their doors to the displaced residents. In Chetwynd, the population of the town has doubled.

Saugstad said earlier that people wanted to help out because it could be their turn one day to ask for assistance.