Fire Danger

Fire is always an issue for sanctuaries in California; we're in the third year of a drought and often the best land for sanctuaries puts us in higher-risk fire zones. The massive, 150,000 acre arson fire in southern California is still only 42% contained - the danger is not over. Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by that fire, from the sanctuaries who had to evacuate to the families who lost everything. That this fire, which claimed two humans lives and countless nonhuman lives both wild and domestic, was set intentionally breaks out hearts.

Animal Place was reminded of how quick and frightening fires are when a 6-alarm blaze a stone's throw away set a hillside and barn ablaze. The fire was about 2 miles from the sanctuary. Thankfully, no injuries were reported and none of the animals on the farms near the fire appear to have been harmed. It is unknown, as of this, time how the fire started. Thank you to everyone who sent us well-wishes and checked in to make sure the animals were okay. We're fine, safe and sound. The fire reminded us we need to update our fire protocol. We will soon be reaching out to friends, family, coworkers, colleagues and our member base for assistance. Keep your eyes open for that post.

It's a good reminder to make sure you have emergency plans in place for yourself, human family and nonhuman alike.

Cal-Fire's animal evacuation information
University of Florida farm preparation

1 comments:

Jeannie said...

Last year's fires in Butte County opened my eyes to the need to be prepared and the need to help when wildfire strikes. My home is not in a fire area, so I wasn't affected in that way, but the fires led me to volunteer with North Valley Animal Disaster Group, where I was trained to work to set up and run an emergency evacuation shelter for companion animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and other animals. Other volunteers are trained to work on teams to evacuate animals from homes at their owners' request. I encourage all animal lovers to learn about their local emergency animal group and join. After Katrina, emergency personnel realized that if people know that their animals will be taken care of, they evacuate much more willingly and much earlier, which makes everyone safer: animals, people, and emergency workers.