LNU Lightning Complex 2020: Summary
As the smoke clears from the LNU fires, I am humbled by the tremendous dedication and collaboration that supported the animal component of response. My heart goes out to those who lost homes or loved ones in the fires ignited across our state. Many of you went above and beyond to answer the call and volunteer your time and resources over the past few weeks. Each day, as new problems presented themselves, I watched teams solve problems, work tirelessly in the heat and smoke, and find moments of joy around the animals in their care.
When Napa CART was activated to evacuate horses from Capell Valley on August 17th, The Napa County Emergency Operations Team, First responders and Napa County Animal Services responded to requests for assistance, logistics support, and assisted planning and operations. In the first days of the fire, volunteers supported intake of animals around the clock, and the faces of the evacuated owners made it clear how relieved they were to know their animals were safe.
Napa Valley Horseman’s Association, Valley Brook Equestrian Center and Paul Tarap and Ag 4 Youth were essential to sheltering operations and provided a safe, supported environment for the displaced horses and livestock
As conditions became safe enough to deploy Shelter in Place (SIP) teams, American Canyon CERT established a command center at NVHA, and provided key communications, logistics and planning support which enabled the safe evacuation and inspection of numerous animals in the warm zones.
Animals Evacuated
71 horses, 6 donkeys, 6 goats, 1 cat, 1 duck
Animals welfare checked and provided shelter in place
15 pigs, 7 llamas, 41 poultry, 8 sheep, 5 goats, 1 donkey, 7 cats, 20 pigeons
Animals transported to veterinary hospitals
1 duck, 3 horses, 1 goat, 1 pig, 2 burned cats
Total Animals Sheltered at height of event
128 horses, 64 livestock
Napa CART community partners including Jameson Humane, Sunrise Horse Rescue, We Care Animal Rescue, Napa Humane, and Wine Country Animal Lovers assisted outreach, sheltering and provided much needed feed and materials to those in need. These organizations continue to respond to inquiries of need as many return home, or consider foster care after losing their homes.
As we all gather perspective on what we’ve accomplished together, and what still lies before us, I hope you share the joy and pride I feel to be a part of this amazing team and community.
With Gratitude,
Claudia Sonder
President, Napa CART