"Do you smell smoke?"
That simple question from my husband started a very intense day.
We live in southern Texas and have not had substantial rainfall
for more than 18 months. The wind was coming from the south and
there was a brush fire at Camp Bullis Military Training Reservation,
south of us.
Looking from the back of our ranch, across the neighboring ranch's
pasture, we could see the smoke. The fire was between two hills,
so the flames were not visible. As time passed the area of smoke
became wider. It grew to be more than two miles wide.
The sheriff's department set up an observation point at the end
of our road. Neighbors were checking as the officers monitored
the fire. Everyone was in contact via cell phones, concerned with
how we would get our horses out.
At noon we were told to prepare to evacuate. Ground crews were
not able to get the fire under control and air support had been
requested, but it would take time for them to arrive. The fire
was spreading and moving fast.
Now was the time our preparations for an emergency would pay off.
All of our horses are trained to load without a fuss, so they
were of no concern.
Health and registration papers for all the animals are in a folder
and easily located.
Our trailer and truck are always ready to go. Tires, lights and
brakes are serviced regularly. Extra halters, leads, buckets and
medical supplies are always packed.
Packed and Ready To
Go
I called a friend who has extra pens and informed her we may be
arriving with the horses. I also made arrangements with her in
case we had to evacuate a neighbor's two ponies and small herd
of goats.
Karla, who owns one of the horses at our ranch, arrived to help
haul horses. She loaded hay, grain and the tack we wanted to take
(saddles, bridles and grooming equipment).
I packed the external hard drives that back up our computer files.
I also packed enough clothes and personal items for several days.
The cats were rounded up and secured in a room, so I wouldn't
have to look for them later.
Don got the trailers hooked up. He also got the cat carriers by
the door and the dog and cat supplies loaded. He made sure the
house and barn were secure. Don left contact information in the
barn and house, so we could be reached.
Within half an hour of being told to prepare to evacuate we were
ready to load the horses and leave.
Luckily air support arrived in time.
We spent the afternoon watching the Blackhawk helicopters and
fixed winged air craft drop water and fire retardant chemicals
on the fire. A forestry airplane did continuous circles informing
ground crews where to fight the fire, alerting them to hot spots
and keeping our local sheriff's department informed on the progress.
Blackhawk Helicopter Dropping Water
By 5:00 P.M. the fire was out and the "prepare to evacuate
order" lifted. The fire fighters continued to monitor the
area all night – as we did.
Next:
14 Steps to Be Prepared to Evacuate
* Earn a Bachelor of Science degree in equine studies or certification
as a Professional Horse Trainer or Riding Instructor. Start your
new career as a riding instructor, horse trainer, or stable manager.
All courses are online. Start anytime and work at your own pace.
Visit www.horsecoursesonline.com
for information.
