The fact that everything in the US isbigger in size is sometimes a curse and sometimes a blessing. Jacob D's traileris more than a blessing – it's a miracle that has come along in a time ofutmost need. The enormous vehicle he is offering to those affected by the firesholds up to ten horses. “There's no cost, I just want to help, thank you,” theagricultural economist wrote on Facebook. A farmer who has shared his offer isproviding space for up to 60 horses. “The whole neighborhood is taking inevacuated animals,” she adds. There are many heroes like them while California– once again – has been plagued by unpredictable forest fires.
The tragedy began this time onJanuary 7. The first fires broke out in a densely populated area north ofdowntown Los Angeles. Fueled by the strong Santa Ana winds, the fires quicklygot out of control. In the space of just 48 hours, entire districts andsurrounding rural areas were destroyed. Many horse farms were also severelyaffected. Disturbing pictures show owners leading their horses out of thedanger zone under life-threatening conditions.
Samantha, who kept her horse Bella at theEaton Dam Stables north of downtown Los Angeles, was also instructed toevacuate along with other riders. Theyhad to walk for over an hour to reach the safety zone. Later, they weretransferred to the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. Her barn burned to the ground. The equestrian center north of the citycenter has become the biggest shelter for large animals after the Rose BowlCenter, a stadium with a capacity for 90,000 people, also had to be evacuatedafter a short time. Meanwhile, volunteers at the Los Angeles Equestrian Centerare on duty day and night to care for the new arrivals. Volunteers can registerin no time at all using an online tool. They are accepting donations by theminute, including bedding, hay, carrots and equipment.
Samantha and Bella were lucky. Not everyonemanaged to get their horses to safety in time. Many owners were forced torelease their four-legged friends – some didn't even have enough time to dothis. An animal rescue hotline can be used to report escaped and missinganimals, as well as those trapped in the evacuation zones or the flames.Facebook groups are also helping to coordinate lost and found animals.Happiness and suffering go hand in hand. Starlight, a 27-year-old pony gelding,and two goats were the favorites of the children of a local elementary schoolthat burned to the ground. “Unfortunately, it was found that the animals diedon the school grounds,” says an update. “The owners are heartbroken and overwhelmed by the details of this loss.”
