(ANIMAL RESCUES) Thousands of people are on the move in Southern California, escaping multiple fast-moving fires that have scorched more than 115,000 acres in just a matter of days.
An estimated 29 horses succumbed to flames and smoke at Rancho Padilla in Sylmar, where the fast-moving Creek fire is taking place, burning over 11,000 acres and destroying more than 30 structures in its path.
Amid the chaos, a panicked horse had tried to flee the fires, but only to fall into a crevice. Fortunately, moments later, firefighters and a group of volunteers made their way to the scene to help lift the animal from the tight gap and transport him to a hospital–reminding us how a single act of compassion can tip the scales towards hope.
Continue reading for more on this miraculous rescue and see how you can help below. — Global Animal
TAKE ACTION: Global Animal Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that funds emergency animal rescue worldwide, is collecting donations to disperse between the Humane Society of Ventura County and the California Wildlife Center, who are working on the ground throughout Southern California to help care for lost and injured animals.
Please consider supporting the efforts to save animals in critical peril. Your compassion in action and support of Global Animal Foundation can help save the lives of animals in crisis.
Mother Nature Network, Christian Cotroneo
It’s hard to tally the tragic toll of wildfires when many of them still burn out of control.
More than 100,000 people are on the move in Southern California, chased by fast-moving fires that even an army of firefighters is struggling to keep in check.
Some 11,377 acres of the Angeles National Forest have been scorched. The biggest of those blazes — dubbed the Thomas Fire — has devoured 65,000 acres of farmland.
But sometimes, a single act of compassion can tip the scales toward hope.
This panicked horse had tried to flee in a fire in Sylmar — only to fall into a crevice. Gina Silva, a news reporter at Fox 11 Los Angeles, was covering the wildfires in the area when she came across the animal.
“Horse needs help!!! Stuck in a tiny gap.” she tweeted.
Moments later, firefighters made their way to the scene, along with a battalion of volunteers.
The terrified animal was lifted from the crevice and transported to a hospital. From there, the horse, whose name is Kenny, was taken to an evacuation barn — one of many structures hastily built to house four-legged refugees.
Matt Ciociolo, a volunteer who has been rescuing horses along the wildfire’s warpath, tells MNN the horse has since been reunited with his owner.
And Kenny — back on his hooves, with a bandage covering one leg and another around his neck — is expected to make a full recovery.
And so too, will the spirits of a thousands, human and animal alike — with a little time. And a lot of compassion.
More MNN: https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/horse-rescue-california-wildfire
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