As a result of the 17 wildfires currently blazing through Northern California, more than 20,000 people have been evacuated from their homes, and patients from two hospitals have been moved.
But Napa and Sonoma are home to more than just people; a number of stables and ranches are located in the two counties. So, what happened to all the horses?
Some were evacuated properly and transported to stables in safe regions.
Fires in Orange County #CA #Horses https://t.co/mC3h5CPhMa
— urbanhorsedoc (@urbanhorsedoc) October 10, 2017
Others who were left behind broke lose and fled the rapidly spreading flames on their own.
[email protected] was there as cows and horses fled the #WraggFire burning near Lake Berryessa: http://t.co/4ZGRRY5Wqc pic.twitter.com/9edP2DBfVJ
— ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) July 23, 2015
#AtlasFire roars across Silverado Tr. Many wineries threatened. Horses on the loose. People evacuating pic.twitter.com/8XDOYpGX3a
— Doug Sovern (@SovernNation) October 9, 2017
Burndale from Highway 12 to Napa Rd – all seems fine. Houses and horses ok, didn’t see many fire footprints…FedEx delivering. #SonomaFires pic.twitter.com/UX7XawTekl
— Sarah Stierch (@Sarah_Stierch) October 10, 2017
But not all were able to escape in time.
Multiple fires in Bakersfield claim horses lives… https://t.co/llOozGQIDj
— National Equine (@NationalEquine) October 10, 2017
Charred corpses are being found in the scorched fields.
I also read many reports of horses threatened. I have no idea how many may have perished. Corpses are being found. https://t.co/ldgUr8e37f
— Zaha Anise (@lionthroat) October 10, 2017
So far, 23 horses have been reported dead. Sadly, that number is likely to rise as the fires continue to spread.
All Californians — both two- and four-legged — are in our thoughts.
