California fires: People and animals in danger

Gina and I, and all our animals, are safe in Northern California, but a lot of people and animals south of us can't say that today. That's because there are eight out-of-control fires buring around the San Diego area, and due to heavy winds, firefighting planes can't be used, firefighters have been badly injured, there has been at least one death, and the fires are considered "zero percent contained" as of Monday midday.



Our friend and colleague, dog trainer and renowned author of more than 50 animal books Liz Palika, who lives in the San Diego area, has given us permission to share her reports on the situation. Please check back for updated information during the day.

This morning the sun rose on a disaster. There are now eight fires burning in San Diego county and I have no idea how many are burning north of us. There are now fires burning north of me; west; and several south of me. There are three fires within ten miles of me, I think, and whereas yesterday when I wrote, I was not in danger - that has changed today - the potential is not good. The air is thick and red; ash is coating everything; and so many roads are closed traffic is horrible.



An unknown number of people are missing; no one knows how many homes are gone; and shelters are overflowing. The San Diego Chargers stadium has been opened to evacuees (and their pets!!!). People are just being urged to use leashes and crates - crates are preferred - and to bring supplies as those are running low.... The world famous San Diego wild animal park - a world known CRES facility - is threatened. They have been threatened before, though, and are prepared.



Two of my trainers have horses and horse trailers and they have volunteered to help haul out threatened horses. We have also opened our dog training facility for housing any horses (or goats, cattle, sheep, llamas, and other large livestock) as some of the facilities are now full. People are also being urged to take horses to the Del Mar fairgrounds. I have notified all the local shelters how many empty cages I have, and that I can take in small critters and reptiles - as I did during the fires four years ago - and have several now with more coming. (Many shelters would prefer to house dogs and cats as they don't have experience with others. Plus I have the equipment to house reptiles.)



[....]



The Del Mar fairgrounds is full for horses and livestock so we may have some in our dog training yard soon. We can only take two or three dozen but we'll do what we can.



I already have several ferrets, rabbits, snakes, geckos, bearded dragons and a couple of iguanas. I'm told I will have some turtles, tortoises and beardies show up soon. The animal control truck pulls up, unloads and is off again. Luckily my neighbors are supportive and a few have even offered to help.

She also mentioned that "Our efforts paid huge dividends after Hurricane Katrina; pets are in shelters now!!! However, we need to stress even more the need to crate train dogs AND cats. The shelters are asking that pets be in crates. This reduces pet conflicts, of course, keeps them contained, and provides them with shelter. But not all pets are crate trained and those that aren't and are suddenly shoved into these situations are even more stressed."



If you are in the San Diego area, at around 9 AM Pacific Time this morning the San Diego Animal Support Foundation reported that the "number operated by the county and being reported by most television stations (760-735-0448) is not working. The 211 number is also busy. The Animal Rescue Hotline IS BEING ANSWERED and people with livestock emergencies should call (619) 299-0871."

Comments

[Lynn]

I'm in Newport Beach, CA, a safe distance from the Santiago fire. Still, ashes all over the ground, jaundiced sky. Can't breathe outside.



If you live in southern CA and are not currently in a fire zone:



1 - Make arrangements NOW for your pets in anticipation of having to evacuate. Get concurrence from the host family if you do not plan to use a VCA facility.



2 - If you live in a safe area, take limited walks with your pet, especially small ones. Their lungs will be affected more quickly by the smoke and ashes.



3 - Say a prayer for all humans and animals and especially for the magnificent firefighters who put their lives in danger.

[Gina Spadafori]

Fantastic information from the VCA locations. Thanks!

[wolfdogged]

VCA Animal Hospitals Offers Free Boarding for Pets Affected by Southern California Fires



http://www.ad-hoc-news.de/Aktie/12717634/News/13829613/SOUTHERN.html



VCA Animal Hospitals announced today that local SOUTHERN California VCA facilities are offering free boarding for companion animals whose families have been evacuated or displaced as a result of the current firestorms. Conveniently located VCA animal hospitals will provide a safe environment for pets that have been affected by the fires through November 5, 2007 on a space available basis.



?As thousands of families are being evacuated to shelters or facing the loss of their homes, VCA hopes to ease their burden by offering free boarding for pets so they can focus on the critical issues with their families and homes,? said Art Antin, Chief Operating Officer of VCA Animal Hospitals.



Boarding assistance for pets is based on space availability at individual VCA Animal Hospitals throughout Southern California. Pet owners can Call the following VCA facilities that currently have space available:



Alhambra VCA Mission Animal Hospital 626-289-3643

Arroyo Grande VCA South County Animal Hospital 805-489-1361

Bellflower VCA Lakewood Animal Hospital 562-633-8126

Big Bear City VCA Lakeside Animal Hospital 909-866-2021

Burbank VCA Animal Hospital (Burbank) 818-845-7246

Canoga Park VCA Companion Animal Hospital 818-340-1569

Cypress VCA College Park - Ana Brook Animal Hospital 714-827-6861

Encinitas VCA North Coast Animal Hospital 760-632-1072

Glendale VCA Arden Animal Hospital 818-246-2478

Hermosa Beach VCA Coast Animal Hospital 310-372-8881

Hesperia VCA Victor Valley Animal Hospital 760-244-8022

La Mesa VCA Grossmont Animal Hospital 619-697-0082

Laguna Niguel VCA Aliso Viejo Animal Hospital 949-643-0437

Lake Forest VCA Saddleback Animal Hospital 949-586-4250

Lake Forest VCA Arroyo Animal Hospital 949-770-1808

Long Beach VCA Los Altos Animal Hospital 562-421-3749

Los Alamitos VCA Rossmoor-El Dorado Animal Hospital 562-598-8621

Los Angeles VCA Miller-Robertson Animal Hospital 310-657-7050

Los Angeles VCA Petville Animal Hospital 310-313-9118

Mission Viejo VCA Mission Viejo Animal Hospital 949-582-1220

Monrovia VCA Santa Anita Animal Hospital 626-359-3281

Palm Springs VCA Desert Animal Hospital 760-778-9999

Pasadena VCA A Breed Apart Animal Hospital 626-795-4444

Rancho Mirage VCA Rancho Mirage Animal Hospital 760-346-6103

Reseda VCA McClave Animal Hospital 818-881-5102

Ridgecrest VCA Crestwood Animal Hospital 760-446-7616

Rolling Hills Estates

VCA Silver Spur Animal Hospital

310-541-3331

San Diego VCA Angel Animal Hospital 619-291-0042

San Diego VCA Hillcrest Animal Hospital 619-299-7387

San Diego VCA Main Street Animal Hospital 619-232-7401

San Diego VCA West Bernardo Animal Hospital 858-485-7570

Santa Fe Springs VCA La Mirada Animal Hospital 562-921-3539

Santa Monica VCA Santa Monica Dog and Cat Hospital 310-453-5459

Santa Monica VCA Wilshire Animal Hospital 310-828-4587

Spring Valley VCA Paradise Valley Animal Hospital 619-475-9770

Temecula VCA El Rancho Animal Hospital 951-296-3898

Torrance VCA Clarmar Animal Hospital 310-371-2474

Torrance VCA Kennel Club Resort & Spa 310-539-2201

Upland VCA Central Animal Hospital 909-981-2855

Venice VCA Marina Animal Hospital 310-306-8707

Victorville VCA Mesa Animal Hospital 760-245-0109

Woodland Hills VCA Parkwood Animal Hospital 818-884-5506

[2CatMom]

I'm a little concerned. I hope I misunderstood the post. First the writer states that the first are within 10 miles. Then that she's taking in other people's animals. Is her place safe for her and all the other animals? I would presume that she wouldn't take animals if it weren't, but did I miss something?



In any case - as long as she's safe, then bravo for her generosity.

[The OTHER Pat]

What a scary situation for all concerned. And what a wonderful turnaround that this time people are being allowed to evacuated WITH their pets!



I grieve for lives that may have been/may yet be lost, and send my most heartfelt hopes that everyone - human and animal - comes through this safely.



And everyone caught by this will have their lives changed forever. Fire is such a devastating force.

[S. Lackey]

I am located in central CA and have extensive rescue experience with dogs, cats, rats and aquatic turtles. Will help transport and foster. Veterinary care available through my previous employer. mom5150@charter.net

[Barbara Lewellyn]

I am in Riverside. I can take dogs ,cats or small animals. I have 9 sm/med cages, 4 lg dog cages. A truck and 1/2 acre cross fenced and separated. I will go anywhere to help. 951 680-9089 cell 951 218 0583. I will help, rescue and care for animals asap. thanks Barbara

[Jt Clough]

Thank you VCA. I'm dog trainer, live in Encinitas, & VCA Encinitas has helped me w/ dog emercencies more than once! I have dogs I've taken from evacuees but can only take so many as an individual. Quite impressed w/ VCA offer and will surely continue to recommend them. Way to go VCA and thank you again.

[Jennifer J]

Sandiegodog is setting up a bulletin board for those needing assistance and those offering



http://www.sandiegodog.com/



thoughts and prayers with everyone at this time

[Nadine L.]

Fires - current overall coverage - with map of destroyed areas



http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21449247/

[amy]

I hope the animals ,and people get to safety I'm in texas, but i feel so sad for the people.GLADE FEMA IS HELPING.

[Lorraine jones]

I have been watching the News(CNN) i LIVE in Tanzania at the moment and just want to say I am thinking of all of you and your Pets...We are animals lovers and I can just imagine how traumatised the Animals are right now...I really feel for all of you...I love America and know you will all stand together...



God bless all of you - God bless the Animals and I wish I was there to be of assistance.I am a South African and have helped Animals all my life back home...so I can quite comprehend what you are all going thru... Be strong and know we are all thinking of you and praying for you...



Love to all of you...Love to all the animals...

Lorraine Jones - Arusha - Tanzania....

[Carolyn]

I assure you that the local shelters who are bringing them animals are the first to know what is safe and what is not - at all times right now.



The local shelters are in the first line of contact for the police and fire fighters. They should also be able to use county radios for contact if they are animal regulations.



It's the best that anyone can do. I can't imagine this - except that it seems as devastating as Katrina except by forest fires.

[Nan Hoback]

If anyone out there needs to have an emergency foster home as a result of the fires for a sheltie I can keep at least one at home with me in the Balboa Park area of SD. My back yard is fenced in and I have a 1 yr old male who is dog friendly. I will help however I can during the emergencies. Call me if you need assistence. I also have someone who wants to adopt a sheltie under 8 years old and in good health. They are previous sheltie owners. 619-584-8867 or email me with details

[selena martinez]

o................... that is so sad for those poor animals. they need help so so much. so please help these animals. babygirl#23 loves all animals