COARSEGOLD — As evacuations continue for the Detwiler Fire burning in Mariposa County, volunteers and disaster relief experts are busy housing people, pets and livestock, while businesses and individuals are stepping up to make donations of feed for the four-leggers.
The Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds has upwards of 40 horses right now, and continues to accept horses that have been evacuated, but they are now full for small livestock, according to community volunteer Susanne Waite.
Therefore, Graydon Kennels has opened its gates for goats. Graydon is located at 32183 CA-41 in Coarsegold, phone number (559) 683-8836.
House pets like dogs and cats, with people, are directed to the Red Cross shelters located in Oakhurst at Oakhurst Evangelical Free Church and Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church.
Animals with no owners are being sent to Madera Animal Control where extensions are said to be in place so animals can be up for adoption a little longer than usual, due to the fire situation.
Box Feed in North Fork gave a full ton of hay to the Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds and will also deliver hay for anyone else who makes a significant donation of feed for stock that has been displaced by the fire. Mountain Feed in Coarsegold has also made donations of feed and is lending much-needed water troughs.
While thousands of pounds of feed have been delivered, more is needed, Susanne says. The ton they had on hand as of Wednesday, July 19 will be gone within five days.
In addition to the 41 horses on site as of last night, the Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds has two donkeys and 15 goats. Leon and Ima Jean Anderson donated 50 alfalfa bales, says Susanne, along with 10 grass bales and 10 large water buckets.
The Raymond Museum donated 12 bales of alfalfa, and Valley Feed in Madera gave a full squeeze of alfalfa. Coors donated water for volunteers and evacuees.
“They are the ones doing the tough work,” Susanne emphasizes. “Our mountain community is amazing! We are praying for everyone in the fire’s path.”
If you have additional information you’d like to share concerning accommodations for large animals, please comment on this article and we will include your suggestions for defined locations.
Photos courtesy of Susanne Waite. Thank you, Susanne!
