Brush fires on New York’s Long Island that began on Monday afternoon displaced many residents, including equines. Long Island has a sizeable equestrian community, and many horses were moved as the fires continued to burn in the eastern part of the island early this week.
According to an article from Patch.com several large stables in the area were at risk. Farms in safer areas have been opening their doors to evacuees from other stables. The winds shifted earlier this week, changing the course of the fires to narrowly miss some large stables in the town of Manorville.
The close community of horse owners in the region allowed for safe, if chaotic, evacuation. A facebook page titled “Long Island Equine Disaster Preparedness,” which was created by a self-described “backyard horse owner” in the wake of Hurricane Irene, has been instrumental in providing information and networking for horse owners in the area.
Some residential areas remain without power this morning, but it is likely that evacuees, including horses, will be able to return to their homes.
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My heart goes out to those, human and animal, who are dealing with these fires and their aftermath. I live in southern California, and wildfires are a yearly concern here and I’ve been through evacuations and the uncertainty of whether to go or stay because the winds are shifting and there’s no telling which way the fires will go. I sincerely hope that the damaged properties get repaired and the displaced horses and their owners are able to go home soon.
Like this article didn’t say of any deaths hoping everyone and all animals are safe and have homes to return to.
Fire season is starting soon. I hate it!
At least the owners are not forced to leave their pets and livestock behind. I say prayers that all of them make it out and safe.