Pets a Part of AZ Fire Disaster Plan
Friday, June 10, 2011
SHOW LOW, Ariz. - Evacuations prompted by the second-largest wildfire in Arizona history have triggered activation of the state's designated responder for animals in distress by the Division of Emergency Management.
The Arizona Humane Society has sent an 11-member emergency response team to Show Low to assist in shelter, rescue and medical care for pets who have nowhere else to go.
Kelsea Vescova, Arizona Humane Society marketing and development director, says the deployment includes a mobile animal clinic.
"We've sent 800 pounds of dog food, 500 pounds of cat food, cat litter, truckloads of medical supplies for our temporary shelter."
The response team includes several Emergency Animal Medical Technicians (EAMTs) for possible animal-rescue efforts.
"We do have four of our EAMTs that are posted at the Incident Command Center, and they're awaiting possible rescue and recovery operations to work in partnership with the local firefighters."
A team to handle larger animals such as horses also has been deployed.
Although the Humane Society is the state's designated responder for natural disasters, Vescova says it receives no government funding.
"We are thankful to have a great deal of community support. We've received donations already. People can go on our website and make a donation specific to the Wallow wildfires relief."
A second emergency response team will be sent to the fire area if needed, she says.
Animals are arriving at the shelter "pretty much by the minute," says Vescova, adding that the emergency team and shelter will remain as long as necessary. The temporary shelter is located at 1181 E. Thornton Road in Show Low.
More information on the animal-rescue operation is online at azhumane.org/wildfire.
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