Heroes rescuing animals in wildfires
After the impact and evacuations of people, there were those who are rescuing animals in the fires. The region of Southern California, United States, is being ravaged by multiple wildfires that are affecting the areas of Hollywood Hills, San Fernando Valley, Pacific Palisades, and Pasadena. Strong winds are fanning the flames and forcing residents to evacuate.
What has happened to these families’ pets?
Clinics and organizations in action
Out of the 155,000 evacuation orders issued, at least 30,000 residents have managed to evacuate, facing difficulties due to traffic and limited escape routes. Firefighters are working tirelessly, but the rapid spread of the fires, dryness, and extreme heat are complicating the situation.
Annie, an exemplary volunteer
Although there is no precise report on how many animals were rescued, several volunteer families and local shelters have started receiving affected animals. Annie Harvilicz, a veterinarian from Los Angeles, received a call from her brother, who was fleeing the fire with his family and asked her to take in his cat Winston and his rabbit Oreo. Annie, the director of two animal hospitals, decided to turn a nearby vacant building into a temporary home for families in need.
By offering her space on Facebook, she was surprised by the number of people offering help. “For every person who needed help, there were 50 people willing to help,” said Annie, moved, to the Washington Post.
Aid process
Grateful for the positive response, Annie began coordinating the pet deliveries, answering questions from frightened owners, and offering advice based on her veterinary knowledge. So far, she has rescued about 12 dogs and 15 cats, which are now sheltered in her veterinary hospital, with the continuous support of volunteers.
The care also extends to the humans affected by the smoke, constituting work as heartbreaking as it is rewarding. Although she still has the capacity to take in more animals, both Annie and her team hope that the situation improves, that the wildfire crisis is contained, and that families can reunite once again.
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