The wildfires that have forced over 78,000 residents to leave their homes in the Santa Cruz Mountains have also put many horses, cows and other domestic animals at risk. Firefighters on the front lines, who must prioritize human life over everything else, are forced to leave the challenge of getting large animals out of harm’s way to someone else. If the animals’ owners are unable to evacuate them, the consequences can be tragic.
This time, the San Mateo County Large Animal Evacuation Group (LAEG) was able to step in and change that scenario. The LAEG is an all-volunteer organization whose members locate animals weighing 300-plus pounds and transport them out of disaster situations. LAEG works closely with Cal Fire and other emergency organizations and is activated by the San Mateo County Office of Emergency Services (OES).
On Aug. 18, as the CZU Lightning Complex fires exploded, OES ordered LAEG to begin deployment. Volunteers working in two- or three-person teams staffed 20 trucks and trailers, traveling the region’s steep, narrow roads to reach animals in need of help. As of Aug. 25, a total of 1,472 animals — including horses, cows, goats, llamas, sheep, one long horned cow, a camel and a number of chickens and turkeys — have been safely evacuated.
Founded in 2009, the group has between 30 and 40 active members at any one time. Prospective LAEG members must complete FEMA training required by San Mateo County OES, obtain a ham radio operator license, complete CERT training and be certified in CPR/first aid. The group holds monthly meetings and multiple hands-on training sessions throughout the year.
As containment of the fire grows, the pace of evacuations has slowed, but the group is now sheltering many of the animals at multiple locations on the coast and at the Cow Palace in Daly City. LAEG is seeking financial help to cover the cost of food and supplies and needs volunteers to assist in caring for the animals until they can be reunited with their owners.
The LAEG is accepting donations at smclaeg.org. For volunteer information, go to smclaeg.org/contact-us. If you have animals needing evacuation, call 650-450-0516.
For information about items needed at the Cow Palace, go to cowpalace.com. For updates on livestock evacuations, visit the Cow Palace Facebook page titled Cow Palace Livestock Evacuation Center.
