4-Legged Fairview Fire Victims: Officials Check On Those Left Behind

HEMET, CA —As thousands of Hemet residents fled their homes ahead of the Fairview Fire, many were forced to leave behind livestock and pets in advance of the fast-moving blaze, according to Riverside County Animal Services spokesperson John Welsh. No animals are thought to have died as a result of the wildfire which has eaten through 7,000 acres and remains at only 5 percent contained as of Wednesday.

The evacuated portion of Hemet and the unincorporated area nearby is largely rural and many homeowners have property filled with livestock and assorted pets. Due to the swift nature of this wildfire, some horse owners reported they released their animals into the wild to prevent them from being hurt or killed, Welsh wrote in a recent news release. As residents are unable to return to check on the well-being of their animals, the Riverside County Animal Services Department is doing that job to both feed, water and rescue pets and livestock in need.

Working with fire authorities, Animal Services officers checked properties Tuesday for any abandoned or injured animals, Welsh said.

Officers combed through the evacuation zone searching specifically for stray horses, according to Welsh. Several of the released horses managed to find their way to other corrals in safer areas either on their own or with help from good Samaritans, Welsh said. Officers were able to merely feed and water them instead of impounding the equines.

Officers also checked on homes, lending help where they could.

One officer provided water and food for a potbellied pig while another officer provided water for a herd of goats.

As of Monday night, a total of 12 dogs, six cats and one rabbit were rescued and taken into the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus (581 S. Grand Ave., San Jacinto).

No change in the number of impounded animals was reported Tuesday.

Evacuated families are still seeking to be reunited with their pets. One such family picked up their two cats and one dog at about noon Tuesday at the San Jacinto campus.

They were not charged for the overnight stay, according to Welsh.

“Any pet owner that needs assistance with their pets can bring them to that shelter for care,” Welsh said. “Boarding fees are waived during emergency situations.”

Animal Services Commander Josh Sisler worked alongside his team of officers during Tuesday morning’s assessments and assistance.

“This deadly fire illustrates why it is so important that pet owners have an emergency plan in place and to-go bags for themselves – and their four-legged friends,” Sisler said.

Preparation, as always, is key to being ready when evacuation orders are given. Riverside County’s Emergency Management Department provides tips for people about how to prepare for a natural disaster before it occurs