HGG Community Forums

The victims of the Lilac fire, as well as the other fires in California are in my thoughts and prayers. Asking for yours as well.

I was on a short vacation, but came home early because of the Santa Ana winds and the extreme fire danger. Living in California I have been through many fires before. I've had to evacuate my horses, dogs and cats, several times over the years. This Lilac fire is the fastest fire I have ever experienced. Cal Fire also said it was the fastest growing fire they had seen. The first day it went from starting to 500 acres in 40 minutes. It was burning an acre about every 1.3 minutes. We live in the 'Be Prepared Evacuation Area', but went to help people get livestock out of the 'Mandatory and Voluntary Evacuation Areas.'

Many, many horse trailers were stopped and sent back to the voluntary area the fire was moving so fast, Cal Fire wouldn't let anyone in. It moved so fast very few trailers could make it to the San Luis Rey Training Facility to get around 500 Thoroughbred horses in training out. The people there tried valiantly to get the horses out. Some frightened animals were turned loose on the property, but 29 of them didn't make it and perished.

Some other pet owners said they had no time to even get their small pets out. The evacuated horses and livestock were taken to the Del Mar Racetrack. They asked for volunteers with horse experience to come help. As well as donations of hay and bedding.

I went down there yesterday. It is so heart breaking for the horses and owners. It is going to take a long time healing for the livestock that were injured or with burns on them. It was a relief to see the horse community come together to help owners with these horses, that lost their homes as well. They still need timothy hay and bedding for the horses, and people are coming through for the victims.