Some evacuated residents living close to a warehouse that suffered a major fire are returning to their homes in northeast China, the local government said Sunday.

A total of 752 households with 2,731 residents were removed from the site of the incident, however, only 200 residents can return home after a safety check on their buildings. The rest are staying with relatives, or places provided by the government, according to the provincial fire brigade of Heilongjiang.

The buildings deemed fit for habitation are further away from the fire site. Those next to the warehouse are still cordoned off, and experts have suggested demolishing the residential buildings.

The government promised each evacuated family a monthly allowance of at least 2,000 yuan (333 U.S. dollars).

A 50-strong rescue team remains at the scene and is assisting investigators.

A fire broke out at a warehouse at the Beifangnanxun ceramics market in Daowai District at 1:14 p.m. on January 2.

A total of five firefighters were killed and another 14 were injured.

The warehouse is part of an 11-story residential building. The first three floors are used as a warehouse for household supplies, including brooms and plastic products. The remaining eight floors are residential.

The fire has continued unabated for more than 30 hours.