For the past week, several wildfires in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas have made life in Southern California a sad and horrific nightmare. More than 800 homes and buildings have burned, many more have been threatened or remain in danger, and thousands have had to evacuate their homes as the blazes continue to rage. (One human casualty has been reported, too.) The Thomas Fire is particularly devastating, still tearing through Ventura County and leading to new evacuation orders on Sunday.
In addition to all the destruction of property, nature, and life, an overlooked casualty of natural disasters are animals. Wild animals don’t have anywhere to go when their homes are engulfed in flames, and domesticated ones get lost or trapped amidst the chaos of collapsing buildings and evacuation. Fortunately, there are a lot of heroes out there dedicated to getting our animal friends to safety. Those downright amazing individuals (and their rescue organizations) have taken to Twitter to provide good news about all the critters that have been whisked out of danger.
https://twitter.com/jaymosonn/status/939270222938124289
#LilacFire: Rescued from the Rubble. @SDSheriff Deputies patrolling burned areas of Bonsall found a box of kittens and turned them over to County Animal Services for some TLC❤️. Awww. Stay well little kitty. pic.twitter.com/Udv21UVuBy
— San Diego Sheriff (@SDSheriff) December 9, 2017
These adorable kittens were found among the rubble after the #LilacFire by deputies patrolling the areas. https://t.co/edi4Cu9rvr pic.twitter.com/A65JKA7TUr
— NBC 7 San Diego (@nbcsandiego) December 9, 2017
Thanks to the Department of Animal Services, this 1,000 pound pig went wee, wee, wee all the way to safety. She's taking a well deserved nap at Escondido @sdhumane #LilacFire pic.twitter.com/v7LvsdEn6n
— SanDiegoCounty (@SanDiegoCounty) December 10, 2017
It’s not just homes @SDFD firefighters are saving in the #LilacFire. I caught up with one of the strike teams returning home fresh from the fire line. How they describe the fire fight on #NBC7 @ 6PM pic.twitter.com/wzYpLLXTjL
— Liberty Simmons DC News Now (@LibertyZSimmons) December 9, 2017
https://twitter.com/GabrielaDow/status/939661608367689728
For some it might just be a cat. But to others it’s a friend, a loved one, a companion. The #LAPD has a motto, “To Protect and to Serve”, and our officers have been displaying that in many ways during the #CreekFire & #SkirballFire pic.twitter.com/kmyHhvy9Fe
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) December 7, 2017
Horse rescued; on the way to animal hospital. Thanks to @LACountyFire and the people who came out to help. pic.twitter.com/e8BGeQ5TSn
— Gina Silva (@ginasilvafox11) December 5, 2017
Here’s some important contact info for the San Diego Humane Society.
FIRE ALERT: We’re actively involved in animal evacuation and support efforts associated with the #LilacFire. Take your pets with you, if possible. If you need assistance, please call our dispatch at 619-243-3466. For information and updates, visit: https://t.co/tFtnC6tyxa. pic.twitter.com/Igb4OlX4ew
— San Diego Humane Society (@sdhumane) December 7, 2017