01/13/2025
Message to equestrians, animal sanctuaries, and caregivers throughout California from Julie Atwood, founder of the HALTER project.
I am a survivor of catastrophic wildfires, and my heart breaks for the residents of these communities, several of which are deeply tied to my childhood. The images of the destruction bring back painful memories of the 2017 fires here in Sonoma County. Many of the reactions—both from those affected and the media—are heartbreakingly familiar.
What’s different now is that, unlike in 2017 and earlier fires, we have access to powerful predictive tools and early warning systems that didn’t exist back then.
When people and animals live in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), there are risks. Homes and infrastructure may be vulnerable, but lives don’t have to be. The disruption and heartbreak of losing a home are part of the trade-off we accept for living near nature. Fires, storms, and floods are all part of the natural ecosystem. But most of us who live in these areas aren’t well-prepared to coexist with these forces—and that puts us, and our animals, in harm’s way.
Right now, approximately 150,000 Southern California residents, including several thousands of equine owners, are under evacuation orders due to wildfires. Many were caught off-guard, either unprepared or ignoring Fire Weather Warnings and Red Flag Alerts that had been issued days earlier. Interviews with evacuees often include the same refrain: "I was waiting for someone to tell me it was time to go."
Let me be clear:
DO NOT WAIT TO EVACUATE.
Animals sense danger, respond to our stress, and may go into hiding. Conditions change fast, and the window to leave safely can close in an instant.
🚩 Be READY year-round.
🚩 Be SET when weather warnings are issued.
🚩 GO when Fire Weather Red Flag Alerts are announced.
This is the best way to ensure your safety. Rescuing animals and evacuating during an active fire is highly dangerous and often impossible.
We must plan ahead during calm times—so that when severe weather is forecasted, we’re ready to act immediately.
Why Write This Now?
Though we’ve had recent rains, the situation unfolding in Southern California could just as easily happen here in the North Bay. Fire officials and meteorologists warn that if we don’t receive soaking rains soon, our fire season will arrive early and with greater intensity.
In Southern California, air support couldn’t be deployed early on due to high winds. This has happened here, too. And when air operations are possible, the presence of animals in certain areas can impact how operations are carried out.
The abundant growth from winter rains, paired with stressed and hazardous trees, only increases the risks. What we’re seeing now in Southern California could easily be us again—just as it was in 2017 and 2019.
In Southern California:
Public stables, historic barns, large equestrian facilities, and countless smaller barns are being destroyed or severely damaged.
Responders can’t safely access hundreds—maybe thousands—of animals that were left behind, turned loose, or sheltered in place.
Loose equines on roads are in grave danger and put emergency responders at additional risk.
Many public and private barns are underinsured, or, have no insurance.
Even facilities with evacuation plans waited too long to act.
Boarding facilities that initially took in evacuees had to evacuate themselves within hours.
Restoring fencing, water, and pastures will take time, and air quality remains unhealthy for animals and people alike.
Responsibilities and Commitment
Every animal owner is responsible for their animals’ safety and welfare. We also share a responsibility to help neighbors who may lack the resources or ability to care for their animals. Individually, you can choose to be part of the problem, or, a partner in facilitating safety among equestrians in our region. If you belong to a club or organization with stakeholder members, you have an opportunity to set an example for others. It starts with a personal commitment.
Resources and Tools
The HALTER Project and other organizations offer tools, guidance, and support to help change the preparedness paradigm for equines and companion animals.
Attached is a poster you can print, post in your barn, and share widely. But preparedness only works if we take action.
~Julie
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ojfd4yh6u6qf82kwely0x/AAV4I0aUrWA2vJGu_yM1jUI?download=true&e=2&from_auth=login&preview=Fire+Weather+Barn+Routine+11x17.pdf&rlkey=fqiu8mdfd30qy4y7myy20n2ud&st=wbt08yod&dl=0
