Disaster Planning For Wildfires

Wildfires are the most frightening of all disasters, as you may have no time to evacuate. All it takes is one careless person to toss their cigarette butt out of their car window during a dry season, a neighbor not paying attention to their burn pile or a wildfire out of control. Such was the case in 2017 when embers from a wildfire over 2 miles away caused a catastrophic barn fire at the San Luis Rey Downs Thoroughbred training center in California, where 46 horses perished and numerous others were severely injured.

 The best you can do in the case of wildfires is to prepare ahead of time, have an evacuation plan, be able to receive the disaster orders and evacuate as soon as the order is given. Fire officials may close the roads, making evacuation impossible, so it is a good idea to be aware of the fire danger level in your area and have your trailer ready and hooked up to your truck. Have your evacuation kit packed and in the trailer. Some areas of the country are constantly threatened by wildfire: it has become an everyday part of life, so it is a good idea to have drills. In other parts, it is seasonal, usually in the winter months when there is little rain.

 To safeguard and protect your farm, it is best to do so months in advance:

· Identify the risks around your property and address them early on.

· Trim shrubs and trees at least 50 feet from your property. Remove the vegetation under them as well. Reduce or remove anything combustible. Remove vegetation along fences and buildings. Trees should be trimmed 6-10 feet off the ground, and limbs should not touch fence lines or hang over structures.

· Avoid planting highly flammable vegetation, such as junipers and cypress. Plant and maintain fire-resistive landscaping.

· Avoid using wood mulch. Instead, use fire-resistant materials such as stone or gravel around the perimeter of structures.

· Inspect buildings for anything that may ignite from embers, including oil cans. During wildfire season, remove mowers, tractors, etc., from the barn area and keep the roof and gutters free of debris that may ignite from embers.

· In known wildfire areas, storing hay, shavings, and other combustible items in a structure separate from the barn is best.

· Install sprinkler systems in the barn and even on the roof of structures.

· When building a new barn, use fire-resistant materials such as stucco and metal instead of wood.

· Ensure vehicles are gassed and in working order.

· Prepare your evacuation plan with evacuation routes and facilities. Plan more than one route, as one route may be blocked by fire or smoke.

· Have your emergency binder with all health records and store it in a truck or trailer.

· Make sure you have working fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. A rule of thumb is one extinguisher at every entrance and every 30-50 feet.

· Practice trailer loading

· Study the FIREWISE programs online for suggestions.

 Hopefully, you have done your due diligence. Now, there is a wildfire in your area. What should you do?

With a wildfire approaching:

· Decide whether to evacuate or shelter in place. If you have been following the news reports, you should have your trailer hooked and ready to go at a moment's notice.

· If you evacuate, do it as soon as possible. Do not wait for smoke or flames to impact your horses. Blocked roads kill people as fire overtakes them. It is better to leave too early than too late.

· Be sure to have your evacuation kit already in the trailer.

· If you do not evacuate, post signs at the entrance of your property and the barn informing first responders you are there and listing the number and types of animals sheltered in place.

· Use social media to connect with equine evacuation routes and sites and find assistance.

· Speak to your veterinarian about having tranquilizers ready. Low-flying helicopters, smoke, and fire trucks may agitate your horse and make loading difficult. If loading proves to be difficult and time is running out, what is your next plan of action? Turn the horse loose or start walking the horse out?

· If the horse is turned loose, ID the horse with at least 2 ID options. It is best to turn them loose without a halter, as halters can catch fire.

· Close structure openings to prevent ember ignition.

· Remove flammable items away from the structure. Remove propane tanks and grills from the area.

· Open gates connected to fencing for easy access by firefighters or animal rescues.

· Turn on lights so structures are visible to firefighters, or if your jurisdiction suggests, turn them off.

· Connect garden hoses to spigots.

· Shut off the gas at the meter and the pilot lights.

· Have carriers or crates ready for your small pets, whether cats, dogs, rabbits, poultry, or goats. Dressing rooms make excellent spaces for pets, but it is best if they are confined. Large dog crates will hold goats or just about any farm animal in a pinch.

Next week, I will discuss how to deal with hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods as my Disaster Planning series continues.