Hundreds of residents near Sisters who have been evacuated for almost a week due to the 12,457-acre Milli Fire are able to return to their homes.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office lifted the evacuation order for the Crossroads subdivision and homes on Edgington, Remuda, Peterson Burn, Wild Wing and Three Creeks roads.

However, those neighborhoods are still being told to be ready for another potential evacuation.

All areas between McKenzie Pass Highway and U.S. Highway 20 from Cold Springs Campground to the city of Sisters, which includes the Tollgate subdivision and Black Butte Ranch, are also being warned of a possible evacuation.

The American Red Cross shelter at Sisters Middle School will provide lunch and dinner Wednesday, and will close Wednesday evening.

On Thursday, the Red Cross will operate an emergency aid station at Sisters Middle School between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. for breakfast, lunch, snacks and to allow people to escape fire smoke and to access current fire information.

A public meeting is planned for 6 p.m. Thursday at Sisters High School.

McKenzie Pass Highway east of the Cascade crest to the junction of Forest Road 15 remains closed.

More than 680 firefighters continue to work the lightning-caused fire nine miles west of Sisters. Containment has grown to 23 percent, as of Wednesday morning.

Crews worked Tuesday at Black Butte Ranch and the Tollgate community to evaluate homes and help homeowners better protect their property. Those crews will continue to patrol the area and support fire operations. No structures have been destroyed in the fire.