It's fire season in California, where a shortage of rainfall has resulted in dry conditions. As of Monday evening, there were 13 fires burning throughout the state.
In Southern California, the Station Fire in the Angeles National Forest near Flintridge had already burned more than 100,000 acres and was only 5% contained as of Monday evening. It destroyed 53 structures and threatened thousands of others.
Mandatory evacuations are in effect in several areas, with large animals being directed to Antelope Valley Fairgrounds. Pierce College is also accepting horses, donkeys, and mules.
In San Bernardino County, just over 1,000 acres have succumbed to the Oak Glen Fire. Although thousands of structures have been threatened, only one home has been damaged. Those under mandatory evacuation orders are directed to take horses to the Yucaipa Equestrian Center.
In Northern California, the 49er Fire in Auburn has burned 275 acres, much of which is residential. Fifty residences and 10 commercial buildings have been destroyed, and the fire was 70% contained as of Monday evening. Although mandatory evacuation orders were previously in place, they have now been lifted.
As a preventative measure, CalFire urges residents to keep 100 feet of defensible space around all structures, clear all dry vegetation from the grounds, gutters, and roofs, and to trim tree branches six feet from the ground. Mowing and weed eating are discouraged between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., and these should never be done in dry vegetation.
Disclaimer: Seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian before proceeding with any diagnosis, treatment, or therapy.
