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msar-riders - Re: [MSAR] Wildfire

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Subject: Mounted search and rescue

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  • From: pennbo@verizon.net
  • To: msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: Re: [MSAR] Wildfire
  • Date: Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:52:25 -0500 (CDT)

 
 Una- stay safe! Hopefully the fire will turn before it gets to you. As you know we've been through this multiple times. In fact our MSAR groups are trained in large (and small) evacuations. In the mountains here it's always a balancing act- too much winter moisture means lush growth which means fuel. Not enough moisture means dry as tinder fuel. Sadly we've gotten to where we just expect fire and evacuations.

Some things to do for your horses. (besides the good things you've already done)-
1: put their halters on. If you aren't there someone else may need to catch them. BUT most important is ID purposes. Either use sharpie to mark contact info on halter or fold tape around (masking is better as it doesn't melt like duct) and write on that. OR spray paint or tape contact info on your horses rumps. OR braid info into manes. If your horses get out (by human or horse means) you will want to find them later!

2: Get large strips of cloth- large bandannas work. Keep them in a bucket of water. If the smoke gets too bad wring them out and tie them across the lower end of the halter. Let hang over the nostrils. Rewet as possible. Smoke inhalation is often the biggest enemy of livestock sheltering in place. You have MSAR horses so the cloth hopefully won't bother them. It's not a perfect solution but it helps.

3: Remember- no matter how well-trained your horse is when instinct takes over they will want to run towards home- even if that is straight into the flames. Seen it. It happens. Be prepared.

4: If you can plow under or drag a large pasture to eliminate the fuel  - do it.  A horse can outrun a grass fire for short distances- if they have someplace to run.  And see #2 and #3.

Hopefully you'll get some relief and you won't be under mandatory evacuation. Leaving livestock behind, especially horses, is tough. We'll all be sending cool damp thoughts your way and waiting to hear from you that all is well.

Chris



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