Apex, N.C. ? Residents trickled back into town Saturday after a fire at a hazardous materials plant, relieved that there were no serious injuries or damage to their homes while they were forced out for two nights.

A few roadblocks remained near the still-smoldering rubble of the EQ Industrial Services plant, but the burning smell and potentially toxic clouds of fumes were gone. Still, some residents heeded the advice of environmental officials to replace air conditioner filters, wipe off children’s toys and kitchen counters, and wash clothes and bedding.

About 17,000 residents were urged to leave late Thursday when the plant burst into flames. They were allowed to return starting Saturday morning, after the fire was largely extinguished and tests showed the air and water were safe.

Officials continued to test the air immediately around the plant Saturday, as well as inside and around four schools in the evacuation area, town manager Bruce Radford said.

The fire was extinguished shortly before 12:30 a.m. Saturday, Apex Fire Chief Mark Haraway said.