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| Larry Mayer/ Billings Gazette |
| Emerald Hills neighborhood in flames. |
During a time when hurricanes dominate the news, summer wildfires in the dryer western states can easily flare up from lightening strikes and human actions, endangering the lives of pets and farm animals.
Near Billings, Mont., more than 1,100 acres have been destroyed since Sunday, where a wind-whipped wildfire still grows.
The fire has forced the evacuation of 1,500 people from 350 small homesteads in the Emerald Hills subdivision, across the Yellowstone River. Conditions are not favorable for residents to return any time soon.
In the Field and On Call
This sparsely populated state has a high pet ownership, with more than 68 percent of households including at least one pet. Many dogs, cats, horses and farm animals will need temporary sheltering after evacuating with their families from the two-mile fire safety zone.
Providing Shelter
Along with the local group, Help for Homeless Pets, The Humane Society of the United States' Northern Rockies Regional Office is caring for three horses and three dogs at the temporary animal shelter they set up at the Metra Park Event Center (fairgrounds) Sunday evening.
"Two dogs were already returned to their owners after spending a night at the shelter," said Sylvia Lee, program specialist for the HSUS Northern Rockies Regional Office. The HSUS is also enlisting the help of local boarding kennels and the Lockwood Veterinary Clinic to shelter more animals. The clinic is currently operating at full capacity with 15 dogs, 15 cats and 11 chickens.
There are still more to come, the Northern Rockies Regional Office's David Pauli noted, as The HSUS coordinates with the Billings Animal Control and Branding Inspectors to rescue other animals left behind the fire line.
Ongoing Support
As the area recovers, The HSUS remains in place to assist local officials and residents. "We have staff scheduled to answer the animal hotline at the Emergency Operations Center to provide evacuation and sheltering information to animal owners in the area," noted Pauli.
Preparation is Key
"The key to survival during a disaster is to be as prepared as possible," said Pauli. "Take the time to create a plan and assemble an emergency kit for you and your pet now."
The HSUS urges pet owners to:
- Get a Kit
- Make a Plan
- Get Involved
The HSUS National Disaster Animal Response Team consists of animal care and control professionals, emergency services and rescue professionals, and other qualified volunteers. Team members are trained in community disaster response and preparedness as well as specialized response techniques for rescuing animals affected by disasters. Becoming a NDART™ member provides you the opportunity to help your community's pets.
