Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/abandoned-horse-rescue-bond-fire/

California is once again threatened by a fast-moving wildfire with 25,000 residents told to evacuate with little notice.

Bond Fire started as a structure fire in Silverado Canyon and extended into nearby brush. The high winds and dry conditions fueled the fire, which has already burned 7,200 acres and is 0% contained.

Over 500 firefighters are on the ground and in the air battling the flames and saving people and pets. Residents in Modjeska Canyon were told to evacuate, but not all were able to escape.

A horse was left behind when its owners evacuated, but neighbors stepped up to help. Neighbors Francie Jones and Randy Stuchlik assisted Orange County firefighters in coaxing the terrified horse off the property.

abandoned horse rescue bond fire 1 - Firefighters And Neighbors Work Together To Save Abandoned Horse From California Wildfire
Photo: Patrick T. Fallon/AFP NA

The horse was dehydrated and exhausted but the rescue team refused to give up. Rescuers arrived to find the horse lying on the ground and unable to stand on its own. It took all of them to get the horse back on its feet and out of danger.

abandoned horse rescue bond fire 2 - Firefighters And Neighbors Work Together To Save Abandoned Horse From California Wildfire
Photo: Patrick T. Fallon/AFP NA

Once the horse was in a safe location, Stuchlik was pictured embracing and comforting the scared animal.

As the fire continues to spread, residents in nearby areas are advised to be ready to leave at a moments notice and to prepare now for leaving with their pets.

abandoned horse rescue bond fire 3 - Firefighters And Neighbors Work Together To Save Abandoned Horse From California Wildfire
Photo: Patrick T. Fallon/AFP NA

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OC Animal Care is offering their shelter to small animals and provided information for safe locations for large animal. They tweeted, “Large animal owners under an evacuation order can take their pets to the following locations. The daily care as well as feed, medications and other necessary supplies will be the responsibility of the animal owner.”

OC Fair and Events Center
located at 88 Fair Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Enter at Gate 5 off of Arlington Drive.
Please call (714) 708-1588 for info.

Los Alamitos Racetrack
located at 4961 Katella Avenue Los Alamitos, CA 90720.
Use main entrance off Katella and turn left toward stalls.
Call (714) 820-2800 for more info.

To help pet owners be prepared to evacuate quickly with their pets, the shelter provided a disaster kit checklist.

A huge thanks to all the brave firefighters and rescue organizations for saving the lives of people and pets. You’re all heroes!

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog