San Diego Humane Society Officers To Save Animals At Caldor Fire

SAN DIEGO, CA — The San Diego Humane Society sent two animal control officers to the Caldor Fire in the Sierra Nevada mountains Thursday to help rescue and care for animals that are in danger of flames, starvation, medical problems or even loneliness.

Two humane law enforcement officers, Sandra Anderson and Joy Ollinger, set out in the morning on a 10-hour drive to the fire in El Dorado County, Humane Society spokesperson Nina Thompson said.

Due to start work there on Friday, the duo is answering a statewide call for backup from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services as people already on the ground need rest.

The two officers, who are trained to work behind fire lines, may end up rescuing domestic or wild animals that are in immediate danger of death or injury, Thompson said. They may look after shelters for rescued animals as well.

Another likely task: welfare checks on pets or livestock left at homes whose owners suddenly evacuated. They would offer food, water, medical attention and human company to animals, such as dogs, that need it.

"Since there is a fire and there are evacuations, it's likely they'll be doing welfare checks," Thompson said.

The Caldor Fire, which started Aug. 14 near the town of Omo Ranch, has burned 136,643 acres and destroyed 637 structures, according to Cal Fire. As of Thursday, the fire was 12 percent contained.

After fires go on for this long, local law enforcement normally becomes fatigued and the state seeks backup.

Anderson and Ollinger are scheduled to return Sept. 4 to San Diego County.

The Humane Society does animal enforcement work on contract for 13 cities in the county.