Since last week, three deadly wildfires — Camp Fire, Hill Fire, and Woosley Fire — have been ripping through Northern and Southern California, leaving hundreds of thousands of people displaced and many homes and businesses lost. At press time, firefighters are still working to contain the blazes, which have taken the lives of at least 29 people [1] so far. Amid the tragic devastation, volunteers and rescuers are heading back to evacuated areas affected by the fires to search for pets and farm animals that were forced to be left behind as their owners fled on short notice, and the rescue photos cropping up are incredibly emotional.
Additionally, evacuation centres, animal shelters, and those who've rescued animals themselves are looking for support to help look after the animals in their care and reunite owners with their furry friends.
"Community! Let's rally together to help the displaced animals and their human companions in this urgent situation," the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Services tweeted. "Kennels/crates are needed at sheltering sites — please take them to the office of Council Member Bob Blumenfield at 19040 Vanowen St., Reseda, CA 91335. Thank you all!"
If you'd like to help the efforts of those rescuing and housing animals in need, here are a few things you can do to provide aid [2], no matter where you are in the world:
- The Humane Society of Ventura County is accepting animals evacuating from the fires — donate to the organisation here [3] or purchase needed items through its Amazon Wish List here [4].
- The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation is also accepting animals evacuating from the fires — donate to the foundation here [5].
- The Butte Humane Society is accepting supplies [6] for the animals in its care — purchase items through its Amazon Wish List here [7].
If you live nearby, consider adopting or fostering a pet to clear some space in the surrounding shelters for the animals coming in. The LA County Department of Animal Care and Control tweeted: "If you can adopt, please go to your closest animal care centre to create life-saving space during the high winds and fire in this emergency!"
