'I stuffed 15 dogs in a black Prius': Animal rescue groups open their doors to pets as owners flee the flames
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Animal rescue groups in California have opened their doors to pets as their owners flee the flames of ongoing wildfires. The Los Angeles fires have claimed at least 11 lives already, with over 150,000 people under evacuation orders. Five major fires continue to burn, and as animal owners flee, they are left facing a scramble to get their beloved companions out of the way of the fast-moving flames.
LA fires updates: New area ordered to evacuate. Ending up in emergency accommodation, many have been forced to turn their pets over to shelters temporarily. From cats and dogs, to horses, tortoises, birds, pigs and more, rescue groups are hosting a surge of animals, with some in need of treatment.
Many are also taking in injured wild or stray animals. They are hurting but managing to find hope in 'tomorrow' - the residents who have lost everything in the LA fires. Crackdown on looting in burnt-out areas as fires continue to burn in LA. LA fires: Data and videos reveal scale of 'most destructive' blazes in modern US history.
"We are seeing a significant increase in the number of burned and injured animals coming to our shelter," Pasadena Humane chief executive Dia DuVernet said. "These animals are suffering from smoke inhalation, singed paws, burns, dehydration and more.". 'It was crazy'.
Arianna Buturovic found flames encircling her house, leaving her facing the task of evacuating "almost 30 animals". "I stuffed 15 dogs in a black Prius and two cats," she said. Having nine more dogs, and a pig, to evacuate, she flagged down some 18-year-olds with a truck who agreed to take them to a shelter.
