Horse Rescued From The Fireline (mill Fire)
Incident: Soda Complex: Wildland Fire
Released: 7/15/2008
Soda Complex News Release
··For immediate release··
July 15, 2008
On Scene Contact: Marc Peebles, Fire Information Officer
Soda Complex Fire Information Center (707) 275-2017
Horse Rescued From The Fireline
Upper Lake, CA- on July 15, 2008 at approximately 8:00 am firefighters working on the western and southwestern edge of the Mill Fire came across an injured horse as crews were constructing containment line and preparing for a backfire operation. Firefighters assessed the injured horse and found that he sustained injuries to his front legs, abrasions and the horse appeared to be very dehydrated, weak and may have been in this condition for several days. It is suspected that the horse may have been spooked and ran off during the initial lightening storm several weeks ago.
Incident Commander, Dave Fiorella of Southern California Incident Management #3 ordered his Management Team to find a local veterinarian and for firefighters to prepare for a rescue mission. Dr Sherry Cronin D.V.M. of Covelo, CA was flown by helicopter into the area to assess the horse's condition prior to rescue. Firefighters fed the horse apples from their fireline sack lunches and gave him water to help the horse recover. After a couple hours, the horse began to show signs of improvement and the veterinarian determined the horse's injuries were minor enough that firefighters could walk the horse to a ranch a few miles away.
Special Thanks to the Mendocino County Animal Shelter for helping to locate Dr Cronin and a temporary shelter location.
"Firefighters on the line have affectionately named the horse Mr. Ed"
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