Fire Season, are you ready?

Fire Season is here. Are you ready?

If evacuating your horse becomes necessary, you'll be relieved to have everything organized and ready. Here's the short list of what to have prepared ahead of time. Have your paperwork with you or in a safe place away from your home, including: Registration papers, Brand Inspection, and insurance policy number if horse is insured. Pictures of both sides of your horse are good to have in that packet also. Remember, your Brand Inspection card is your proof of ownership, do not leave it at home.  

* Be sure your horses are halter-broke, leads and ties.

* Train your horses to load onto a trailer on command.

* Always have a backup plan in case a trailer is not able to travel your road; hiking out or leading from your vehicle works.   Call Animal Control and Animal Rescue Units will be dispatched to you.  Animal Control 303-271-0211

* Do not turn your horse loose thinking he'll be able to outrun the smoke or fire. He can't. If you can get out, take him with you. If you don't have a trailer, call for help--numbers are listed below.

At time of evacuation, have your horses haltered with identification attached that gives their name and age, your name, your vet's name and both phone numbers. A piece of paper inside a baggie and taped to the halter works, as does duct tape marked with a Sharpie pen or, you may even write directly on the halter.

An evacuation team, such as Front Range Animal Evacuation Team (FRAET) or Horse Evacuation Assistance Team (HEAT), may need to enter the fire zone and pick up your animals in the event of the fire being too close and too dangerous for you to get home. It is important that the Animal Control office in your county knows to send the teams to your home, so call them and give them your address, your phone number, the number and kind of animals you have to be rescued. The horses will be taken to Jefferson county Fairgrounds in most instances and if that is not the case, you will be informed when you contact your local Animal Control Office.

• Jefferson County Animal Control 303- 271-5070
• On weekends, the Sheriff number for Animal Control 303-271-0211  (Call this number if you need help evacuating your livestock.  FRAET, HEAT, and other Animal Rescue units will be dispatched through Animal Control.)  We can pick up any livestock.  Call only if you want help evacuating.
• Clear Creek County Animal Control 303- 569-3251 ext 398
• Park County Animal Control 303-816-0732

Here's to wishing all a safe and happy summer!

~Tanya