Horrific fires are burning east and northeast of Ramona, CA and heading west. They started yesterday and according to the map by San Diego Tribune, have burned, as of 11PM Oct. 21, from just west of Santa Ysabel to Ramona. This area encompases huge areas populated by many large horse farms including North Arabians (Padron Psyche).

As most of us sit safely in our homes, lets give thought to the devastation that may have befallen the Norths and many other farms.


To the east of them is the huge Golden Eagle Thoroughbred farm and EA Thoroughbreds as well as hundreds of homes, farms and ranches. GE and EA probably have 300+ horses. Rescue groups go into these areas to pull out animals, but the roads in and out are two lane, and many are closed now.

I have experienced these fires, which is the major reason I left So. Ca. Twice it burned within two blocks from my farm. One cannot get the idea of the horrific power through tv. The roar makes it impossible to hear someone shouting in your ear, the fires can cover the surface of the land at up to 90 miles per hour. The sparks and fireballs can cross 6 lane freeways and start anew. Tornado like fire spirals go 60-70 feet into the air. And of course the smoke, and then the loss of oxygen.

The fires according to photos and video on the news website show that the fire has burned into the town of Ramona, and as of the map is into the main area of the east side of the town. This doesn't count all the outlying areas, subdivisions, and private homes.

If one wants to look then there are videos and maps on http://www.signonsandiego.com It is called the Witch Creek fire. There are sad still photos of horses running in their corrals as the fire approaches, and horses tied to posts along the street so someone can pick them up in rescue. There are only so many rescue trailers, and those go an hour and a half to Del Mar Track to drop off rescued animals, and then have to drive back. Most are only two or three horse vans. When I evacuated it was in the middle of the night, loading into any van that came. I had no idea who owned the trailers, nor where they were going, but death was imminent if one stayed. Sparks swirling, lights from the trucks, and the roar of the fire and orange glow which is really unearthly. Loaded up yearlings who had never been in a van, older mares, weanlings, and sent them down the road. We had evacuated the stallions that afternoon as a precaution, but the fire was buring in a different direction. During the night the winds shifted and the fire split into two directions, the one coming toward me and another toward another town. Eleven people died in this fire, and many homes burned. And this was a "small" fire! It truly is a nighmare beyond the worst. And yes, I did get all the horses back, and with overflowing gratitude that people do this. I also went on rescue runs with my trailer when it happened to others.

The Witch Creek fire is also burning toward the world famous San Diego Wild Animal Park where they have endangered species breeding programs (like the California Condor which was brought back from extinction) as well as one of the finest facilities for an immense variety of animals.

These fires are truly Hell, and my heart goes to the Norths and all those who are in danger and their precious animals be they horses, cats, dogs, and wildlife.

I hope everyone does what they can, be it sending good thoughts, prayers, or if one is local, rescue trailers...and to be grateful for what we have been spared.

Marsha
Canterbury Farm
Pure Polish Arabians

I couldn't believe what happen in Ca. I hope that Connie is ok and everyone had the time to evacuate with their pets.