Animals, pets and humans face threat in Southern California!

We've been thinking a lot in the past couple of days about our friends out in Southern California. We hope they are safe!

The fires are raging there. Many, many people, homes, pets, animals and wildlife are being threatened. More than a quarter-million people have been ordered to evacuate from the path of these dangers wildfires.

Hot, dry winds off the desert are fueling these deadly fires, and authorities say there's little they can do to stop the flames until the winds die down possibly today at the earliest.

The San Diego Humane Society's Animal Rescue Reserve (ARR) is on the scene, helping many of these animals in need. They are a team of highly trained volunteers dedicated to assisting people during disasters, by safely evacuating horses, livestock and household pets.

Here is more info from the San Diego Humane Society website:

The San Diego Humane Society is diligently working with them (ARR) to help all the animals needing help during this disaster. Under the supervision of the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services, Humane Society staff and Animal Rescue Reserve volunteers helped rescue and evacuate more than 200 pets and large animals on Monday. The Humane Society is also currently helping to care for several hundred pets at the Mira Mesa High School shelter witch creek goose2location.

Residents that need to evacuate their homes are asked to take all companion animals with them. If possible, place your pet in a crate or carrier and bring any necessary supplies including leashes, food, water, and medications as supplies at evacuation centers may be limited. More tips on evacuating with your pets.

Most Red Cross evacuation centers are accepting pets in carriers. If you do not have or were unable to pet your pet in a carrier or need pet supplies, bring your pet to one of the following Red Cross evacuation centers:

*Qualcomm Stadium- 9449 Friars Rd (small pets only)
*Mira Mesa High School-10510 Reagan Rd. FULL

The County of San Diego Department of Animal Services and San Diego Humane Society staff will be on hand at these sites to distribute pet supplies have been donated by PETCO for pet owners in need.

*Lakeside Rodeo Grounds located at Hwy 67 & Mapleview St. (Accepting large animals only)
*Fiesta Island (Accepting both large and small animals)
*Del Mar Fairgrounds FULL

If you have a stable or other areas that can house a number of large animals and livestock that need to be evacuated, please call the San Diego Humane Society at (619) 299-7012. The Humane Society is also in need of portable livestock panels for temporary corrals. If you have these available for use, please call (619) 299-7012.

If you have animals or livestock that you cannot evacuate yourself or that need to be rescued, call (619) 236-4250 and press "1" for emergency services.

Volunteers and supplies are not needed at this time, but the San Diego Humane Society is keeping a list of names for people interested in helping. If you would like to help, you can donate online or call (619) 299-7012.

For more information on preparing your pet for emergencies, visit our Squidoo lens for some great tips.

Be safe out there!