CHICO, Calif. - At Wednesday night's press briefing at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said certain zones on the ridge and Concow areas could return home next week. Honea said, barring any unforeseen setbacks or weather issues, residents across several zones could go back into the currently-evacuated areas. 

He said Paradise Zones 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 could be allowed back in at the beginning of next week. He said that would mean Pentz Road would be reopened, and people could get from Magalia and the upper ridge back to the valley via the Skyway.

The sheriff also said other zones could be repopulated at the end of the week. They include North Pines, South Fir Haven, Old Magalia, South Coutelenc, Morgan Ridge "B" Zone, Concow "A," "C," and "D" Zones, and Yankee Hill.  That would mean Highway 70 would also be reopened.

The sheriff said the incoming storm systems could have an impact on the current repopulation plan. He added that the incredible work done by crews from several different agencies made this repopulation plan possible.  

"Now I know that people have waited a long time," Honea said. "The amount of work that people have gotten us to where we're at has been incredible, and the fact that we're looking at this timeline is very very promising.  But if something comes up, we may have to adjust that time frame going forward."