Talking to them, our staff is so dedicated to the animals - they’d rather be here than sitting at home dealing with the crisis at home,” he said. “A couple of them come to work every day despite the devastation they had to go through. Hornbostel said that while his home is safe, his son’s high school was completely gutted by the flames. At least 11 of the preserve’s 150 employees have lost their entire homes. The staff at Safari West were not immune to loss themselves. Chip Shreiber, the association’s disaster resource coordinator, said in the email sent Monday to a distribution list of 13,000 licensed psychologists across California, the AP reported. “There is tremendous acute and long term impact and we are needed right now to help,” Dr. The California Psychological Association has raised the red flag about the threat to mental health for survivors of the fires, The Associated Press reported. People returning to the their homes, sifting through mountains of ash, are further exposed to pollutants and dangerous chemicals. Smoke pollution is contributing to severe asthma attacks and affecting people with respiratory issues. Hornbostel said they are doing well, despite the staff continuing to wear masks to protect against smoke pollution, with intermittent days of clear weather.Īs firefighters continue to make headway on containing flames, the long-term consequences are just starting to be realized. The people went around the preserve counting each animal individually, making sure all were accounted for and in good conditions.Īs the fires slowly came under control, the staff brought in veterinarians to check on the animals - of which Mr. The following day more people came, between 50 and 60 people, either staff or former staff and volunteers. We had to use our own crews to put these fires out,” he said. “Most of the fire department resources were being used to save homes at the bottom of the hill. Hornbostel said that few if any fire department resources were able to help the preserve. With the fires gaining intensity in the city, Mr. For the next 24 to 48 hours, the staff patrolled the perimeter putting out spot fires. the following day, a few staff showed up at the preserve to assist Mr. The wind blew so fast and hard that the embers didn’t land on the preserve.Īt 6 a.m. What made the fires deadly and fast-moving for most of the area - namely strong, hurricane force winds - saved the preserve. The fire came from the other side of the hill - a crown fire is what the fire department called it - basically, the flames were in the tree tops and the wind was blowing embers to another tree top.” “Imagine there’s a hill on one side, probably four or 500 feet tall, we’re nestled right at the base. Hornbostel described it as the fire “jumping over them.” Throughout the worst of the fire, the preserve was spared thanks to its unique location low in a valley. To take care of the animals, the preserve’s founder and owner, Peter Lang, stayed behind, using a garden hose to put out small ember fires along the preserves perimeter. Hornbostel said in a phone interview with The Washington Times. “It was literally, run for your life,” Mr.
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