Latest Update on CA Wildfires

NOTE: The 2014 Sun and Surf Circuit is currently taking place at the Del Mark Horsepark in CA. We spoke with Show Manager Clay MacLeod this morning to get an update on what effect, if any, the wildfires might have on the show. 

“It’s been amazingly hot, windy, and dry, so there are brush fires everywhere,” MacLeod says. “We’re good here, and the show is fine. Everyone is persevering. The show grounds was the evacuation center for people in the area that were affected, so we’ve got horses everywhere. It’s beautiful here today.”

The San Diego County Emergency Center has been providing daily updates regarding the outbreak of wildfires plaguing Southern California. The latest update was posted at 9:20 am today.

Regional Wildfire Response Highlights- “Overnight, almost 350 evacuees stayed at three shelters, including a total of 100 people at two shelters in Carlsbad and 241 people at a shelter in San Marcos. More than 2,200 customers were without power, according to the San Diego Gas & Electric website.”

The latest update from FEMA shows the Poinsettia Fire in San Diego County “was threatening 2,500 homes in and around the community of Carlsbad, Calif., with a combined population of 105,000. Mandatory and voluntary evacuations are taking place for approximately 15,000 people. The fire started on May 14, 2014 and has burned in excess of 100 acres of State and private land. There are five other large fires burning uncontrolled within the State.”

In addition, residents evacuating with large animals can take them to Cloverdale Ranch, 2460 Cloverdale Road, in Escondido. Warner Ranch in Pala and Oceanside Ivy Ranch have closed, because they received no animals.

Any resident who is in need of animal assistance should contact the County Department of Animal Services emergency line at 619-236-2341. Non-emergency calls may be directed to 2-1-1 and be sure to visit www.sdcountyemergency.com for updates.

During the 2007 CA fires, more than 2,700 animals including horses, donkeys, zebras, llamas and goats packed into the Del Mar Fairgrounds filling it to more than capacity. Check out these helpful equine evacuation tips from the staff at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

• Make sure horses have halters, lead ropes and water buckets.

• Make sure horses are identified. If your horse does not have their name on its halter, put duct tape on it with its name and your phone number. We’ve seen phone numbers painted on the sides and hooves of horses as well.

• If you have time, please load some hay on your trailers. Hay delivery can be delayed if highways are closed due to the fires.

• Pack general first aid supplies, such as antiseptic ointments and bandaging materials.