California Wildfires, and Pet/Animal Rescue

If you live in the U.S., you are more than likely aware of the devastate wildfires raging through southern California at this moment (Day 4). According to the front page of the Los Angeles Times: over 420,000 acres have burned thus far; almost 1,200 homes destroyed; and over 880,000 people have been evacuated; two people have died; also, firefighters have come in from Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico to help. The L.A. Times has additional information including fire maps, evacuations and closures, and how to find friends and families.

To read a great California Wildfire blog, click on this link. It's a very comprehensive blog, and is of special importance to people that live in the area - offering updates and information about what would normally be the most mundane of things (mail delivery, adjusted bus schedules, YMCA closures, etc.), as well as the most important concerns of the moment. The blog is part of "Sign on San Diego." Do check it out.

Today's CNN online runs a story about San Diego County, California, wildfires and rescue of pets, horses, and other animals.

Approximately 2,000 horses are being housed at State fairgrounds, and many of their owners are bunking in the jockey quarters. All of the county's animal services officers are working to rescue animals, though many that were left behind will not be saved. It's reported that officers are searching evacuated areas for abandoned pets, including horses (some owners do not have enough trailers to evacuate all horses). The story does mention that horses are being sheltered at mall parking lots, and that many evacuation shelter sites are allowing people to bring their pets. To read the CNN story Rescuers Race Flames to Save Pets, Livestock click on this link.

To read about disaster planning for pets, click on this link for the Humane Society web page, or click on this link to read a government web site for Emergency Preparedness & Response for pets and other animals.