Protecting Stock from Wildfire
Last week the Drudge report ran a chilling photo, it appeared as though a palomino was superimposed over wildfire flames. There was no doctoring of the shot, it is a frightening reality for Californian’s battling wildfires that could happen anywhere out west. I’m Susan Allen stay tuned I’ll be back to share some tips on to protect our livestock from fire. Two summers ago our horse trailer was loaded with feed and supplies and we were ready to roll as a wildfire raged across the ridge above our home. While I was confident we could outrun the fire I wasn’t prepared for the large embers that dropped from the sky irregardless of whether we stayed or left. Farmers and horse owners not only need to have easy access to paddocks and gates but they need a priority plan in case of fire. Firefighters are trained to ask what to save first. Buildings, livestock, feed? Be prepared to tell them. Animals can become frantic, even run back into burning structures so closing access to areas where they can become trapped is important. During a wildfire alert remove fuels, pesticides and other combustible from your property. Firebreaks can be valuable protection tools with a variety of ways to construct them depending on the size and type of pasture or range. So is green stripping... prescribed burning named for the lush grass that returns. With wildfire season in full swing it’s wise to check with your countyExtension livestock specialist to learn the best methods to protect livestock from wildfires. I’m Susan Allen
