Make an evacuation Plan!
 Nothing unusual, we live in the foothills and brush fires happen a lot. About two hours later 5,000 acres were engulfed and the fire was raging fuled by 40 mph winds. The fire is now considered out of control. We received a call to help a local farm animal rescue located at the mouth of Rose Canyon directly below the path of the fire. As we drove in the picture of smoke on the hill had turned to this;  The farm had over 200 animals and no idea how to evacuate or where to take the animals. Luckily we had many volunteers with stock trailers and crates. Sadly, we had to leave before all the animals (cows, horses, pigs, ostraches, emu, ducks, goats, sheep, peacock, pigs, etc) where rounded up. As we crawled out of the area trying to avoid all the people blocking the road trying to see the fire, the wind shifted just enough to turn the fire away from the ranch. It was just a 1/2 mile from the ranch when we left. All the "lookers" were so busy blocking the roads and using their cell phones, we couldn't stay in contact to coordinate. We were just a single group trying to get animals out of the area. There were hundreds of horses and other stock in harms way. The city of Herriman wanted to direct us to an equestrian arena in town just on the edge of the fire area. We decided to go one town over where they have a huge facility 300+ stalls and arena, well removed from any fire danger. By 1 am we had bedded down approx 50 horses, a couple donkey's and one pen had crates of cats and chickens.  Many other animals went to private homes and farms. It's going to take a major effort to get everyone back where they belong. If you have a rescue you need a coordinated evacuation plan! Had the wind not changed the owner of this rescue would have lost numerous animals, her entire ranch/home, and her life. Yes, she was dumb enough to stay behind.  The evening did net one interesting lesson, I now know how to wrangle a paniced Emu. |
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| Ohmygosh!! How frightening for everyone, humans and animals. How fortunate that this story has a happy ending-thank you for all you and others did. Great pics too. Btw, what is an emu? |
| OMG! Glad the animals were saved! We live in a Hurricane/Flood area and yes, I have an evacuation plan for ourselves and the doggys. Lately we also ahve had some tornadoes and they really scare me... I have no basement, only a crawl space which all of us could never get in...Storms and fires are so scary... |
auntybren wrote: Btw, what is an emu? Really weird, big bird. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emu |
Emu is an Australian Big Bird, like an ostrich.  Know the scare of fires especially after last year with over 100 loss of life and not far from our place also. So many animals lost too with unexpected fire front changes. Every summer we have a "Bush Fire Plan" just in case and a list of things to grab in case of a fast get out. Here we have the risk every summer and you find most Aussies are bush fire aware. I am so glad the fire front changed what incredible photos too, I cant imagine getting all the animals to safety if it continued on the same path. I think our lesson from last year is JUST GO as if it turns into a wildfire does not matter what sort of fire fighting equipment even sprinklers on the roof in High danger areas, that all failed last year. We have a farm up in the high country we nearly lost and if ever a fire in the area again I would not stay just not worth it and besides the insurance is there for a reason, you can re-build but you cant bring back lives.  Hoping the fires around your area settle soon, they made news here and not looking good to seeing them extinguished soon Stay safe and if in doubt "Get Out" !!! |
| Amazing photos. What the heck is an emu doing on a farm in Utah? http://www.picsearch.com/pictures/animals/pets/emu.html This link takes you to pictures. I will add that they stand taller than an adult human and can be a tad grumpy. They kick and peck, youch! I'm glad it was you wrangling the beast. |
| There is some interest in raising emus for food. Good meat. Had to look up where Herriman and Rose Canyon are......never been over there! Guess I assumed the east side mountains for this fire. Shame about the tourists........police are gonna have to control this better. |
| I'm glad it turned out okay but you've just shown me my worse nightmare! Ever since Katrina, I've always had a fear of a natural disaster and the welfare of my pets. You were awesome to jump in and help of what couldn't be an easy job! Kudos to you!! Marianne |
Mim wrote: This link takes you to pictures. I will add that they stand taller than an adult human and can be a tad grumpy. They kick and peck, youch! I'm glad it was you wrangling the beast.  Several of us were trying to herd the big fellow into a trailer that he had no interest in. He kept running toward me because I was between him and an escape route. I managed to "shoo" him back twice but the third time he stood his ground estimating the best way to go over or around me. I know they can be a bit tempramental but couldn't remember how they acted on it. Just about then one of the resuce folks from the ranch yelled "grab it by the neck"!  Uh, OK. By the time I had the neck he said, "and watch out for the feet, he'll kick the s**t out of you. I went in from the side so was lucky on the feet thing, but geez, an Emu can sure get an angry look on their face when you have them by the neck. I only had to hold on long enough to let the other guys get a grip and take him into the trailer. Next time, I'm sticking with the goats. SheepieBoss wrote: Had to look up where Herriman and Rose Canyon are......never been over there! Guess I assumed the east side mountains for this fire. We are the forgotten side of the valley, which is OK with me. Camp Williams takes up most of the area behind Herriman and Bluffdale which is nice as it will remain wild. Sadly, it was the army that started the fire by ignoring a red flag weather warning and held machine gun practice.  SheepieBoss wrote: Shame about the tourists........police are gonna have to control this better. It was a mess. I'm CERT trained and see this type of thing happen everywhere. Anytime there is a disaster no matter the size remind people to stay off the cell system and out of the way. It can make a life and death difference. |
| wow glad all when well |
Sheepdogma wrote: Mim wrote: This link takes you to pictures. I will add that they stand taller than an adult human and can be a tad grumpy. They kick and peck, youch! I'm glad it was you wrangling the beast. I went in from the side so was lucky on the feet thing, but geez, an Emu can sure get an angry look on their face when you have them by the neck. I only had to hold on long enough to let the other guys get a grip and take him into the trailer. IMO emu's have kinda mad and angry looks on their faces most of the time. |
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