Last week, four forest fires were burning out of control near the Wemotaci reserve, about 300 kilometres north of Trois-Rivières.Last week, four forest fires were burning out of control near the Wemotaci reserve, about 300 kilometres north of Trois-Rivières. (Submitted video)

Residents of a Quebec native community forced from their homes due to smoke from forest fires have been told they will be able to return home soon.

More than 1,300 residents were evacuated from the community of Wemotaci, 300 kilometres north of Trois-Rivières, last week.

They have been living in temporary shelters, or with friends and families in nearby La Tuque.

On Friday, community officials confirmed that one-third of residents, healthy adults only, will be able to return to Wemotaci on Saturday morning.

The men and women will be put to work preparing the community for the return of the other residents.

Wemotaci has been without water or electricity for a week.

The residents will be asked to make sure the water systems are working properly and to remove rotten food.

Map of Quebec forest fires

It is expected to be another two to three days before everyone, including children and those in poor health, can return.

Quebec's Native Affairs Minister Pierre Corbeil said officials want to make sure everything is safe.

"We don't want to bring people there and then ask them to leave again," said Corbeil.

There are still 20 forest fires burning in Quebec, and all but one are under control, according to the province forest fire prevention agency (SOPFEU).

The number is down significantly from a few days ago when 60 blazes were burning and 16 of them were out of control.