Some evacuation orders to be lifted in Valley Fire

ByTiffany Wilson KGO logo
Friday, September 18, 2015
Home destroyed by Valley Fire in Lake County, Thursday, September, 18, 2015.
Home destroyed by Valley Fire in Lake County, Thursday, September, 18, 2015.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. -- The Valley Fire has now scorched 73,700 acres and is 40 percent contained. The number of homes lost totals 585 and nearly 8,000 structures are still threatened. The fatality count stands at three, but could rise.

DONATIONS: How to help victims of the Valley Fire where you live

People in the communities hit hardest by the fire may be able to return home as early as Saturday. Evacuation orders for Middletown, parts of Hidden Valley and the north side of Cobb will be lifted tomorrow. Residents of Berryessa Estates in Napa County were allowed to go home yesterday.

Part of the growing frustration is the lack of information about what properties burned and which ones did not. Beginning today, there will be a daily briefing at 1 p.m. at the Lake County Emergency Operations Center; however that is miles from the Napa County Fairgrounds so it might not be feasible for some evacuees to attend.

PHOTOS: Fire crews battle massive Valley Fire

In an effort to help all the families affected, California's insurance commissioner will visit the burn area, and the Kelseyville High School evacuation center. There he is expected to brief local officials on insurance issues families will face as they try to return and rebuild.

PG&E says it has more than 400 utility poles to replace and miles of wire to restring. More than 6,650 customers remain without electricity.

Click here for full coverage on the Valley Fire.

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PHOTOS: ABC7 News at the Valley Fire