No matter where you are in the world, by now you have heard that there are three major wildfires in California wreaking havoc across the state. The Camp Fire of Northern California is steadily rolling though, destroying all that marks its path. Its fiery blaze has officially broken the record and is now known as the most destructive blaze in California in terms of structure loss. In just two days time, 6,700 were left in remains of ash and rubble.
At the time of this post, the Woosley Fire has claimed 91,572 acres and is at a 20% containment rate; full containment of the Woosley wildfire is not expected until Nov. 15, Cal Fire has stated.
One thing is certain, precious lives are at stake as those flee for their safety, both for humans and animal alike. Many are forced to escape on highways that are surrounded by flames far too close for comfort:
Authorities announced Friday that a quarter million people are under evacuation orders, forcing individuals to leave behind nothing more than personal possessions and a hope that their homes will be spared from mass destruction. And what's worse, many are not able to bring their pets/animals along with them as they leave.
#WoolseyFire [update] at E St and Alfa Road Rd, south of Simi Valley (Ventura County) is now 91,572 acres and 20% contained. Unified Command: @VCFD_PIO, @LACoFDPIO, LA City Fire,@lacountysheriff, and @LAPDHQ https://t.co/Uixyavgxu0 pic.twitter.com/qB9P8ANDoq
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) November 12, 2018
The death toll from the fire's destruction now stands at 31, according to most recent reports. At least 370 structures have fallen victim to the fire's rage, including the homes of several celebrities, like Gerard Butler and Neil Young.
Returned to my house in Malibu after evacuating. Heartbreaking time across California. Inspired as ever by the courage, spirit and sacrifice of firefighters. Thank you @LAFD. If you can, support these brave men and women at https://t.co/ei7c7F7cZx. pic.twitter.com/AcBcLtKmDU
— Gerard Butler (@GerardButler) November 11, 2018
While we as humans have the ability to flee for safety, the fire has no mercy for those that are not spared from its path. A handful of kind celebrities are using their platforms to do their part and help bring horses to safety across the state. One Hollywood stuntman, Ardeshir Radpour, took matters into his own hands to do his part in rescuing horses in need. Armed with a six horse trailer, he worked tirelessly until parts of the Pacific Coast Highway were officially closed down this past Friday in the Malibu area. Thanks to Radpour's courageous efforts, two dozen horses were brought to safety from the encroaching flames.
The stuntman joins the efforts of a major who is also looking to do their part for horses in need, as veteran actor James Woods has turned to social media looking for those who could help to rescue if they were able to do so. Actor James Woods used his Twitter as a means to do his part:
What’s wrong with this photo? While a stunning image of the devastating #CaliforniaWildfires, it illustrates a potential catastrophic mistake if you are forced to let your horses run. REMOVE THEIR HALTERS. They can entangle an animal in the wild. #SoCalFiresJamesWoods pic.twitter.com/ErxAJYCVnB
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) November 12, 2018
Woods is also helping to bring attention to specific horses in need of rescue, along with guiding those in proper evacuation recommendations for animals:
Looking for Gracie. She was picked up from PCH directly across from Geoffrey’s restaurant. Exact address 27335 PCH. She was supposed to be transported to #socalfirejameswoods #woolseyfire #horseevacuations pic.twitter.com/3FnSTmIhSj
— Zoe (@Zoe32426313) November 11, 2018
Using the hashtag #SoCalFiresJamesWoods, the actor has helped displaced people connect with their loved ones as well. Other celebrities have extended their support in helping horses in need of rescue, including Actor/Director Kevin Smith, as well as Alyssa Milano. And despite their political differences, Woods' extending a helping social hand to actress Milano who was forced to evacuate her Southern California residence:
She needs help with five horses. It was previously reported that her horses had been evacuated, but she says that did not happen. Please contact her at @Alyssa_Milano to get her location or use my hashtag #SoCalFiresJamesWoods This is a serious request. https://t.co/R7krd0Wfbg
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) November 9, 2018
While we are grateful to Radpour, Woods, and other celebs for helping, you don't have to be famous to do your part or make a difference for these equines in dire need. Volunteers in the state of California are working around the clock to do whatever they can to bring many animals to safety. The kind people at the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control are one of the many sites that have opened their doors to horses, as well as other animals, in need of a soft place to land.
If you'd like to do something to help these animals in need, you can make a direct donation to help in relief efforts, here are some options for you:
Make a direction donation to the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control
Make a direction donation to the Humane Society of Ventura County
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Remember, every little bit counts when it comes to helping precious lives in need. And a special thank you to the brave men and women who have risked their own lives and safety as a means to help others, both human and animals. You are all our heroes.
A real life superhero. Thank you to all the brave firefighters and other volunteers working tirelessly in California. It’s scary that something so devastating can affect so many so quickly. #fire #firefighter #firefighters #california #californiafires #cafire #woolseyfire #hero # pic.twitter.com/uxQpdCrMUx
— Dr. Kyle Kermott (@DrKermott) November 12, 2018
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