Trailers arrived at once, carrying hundreds of horses fleeing the Eaton and Palisades fires in Los Angeles.
Some horses came alone, others came with wagons full of other animals. Most had owners, but some came alone, brought by their rescuers or animal control. One horse, according to the volunteers, actually carried its owner from Altadena – which would have taken five hours on foot. Pigs, donkeys and small horses followed.
Within 24 hours, the Los Angeles Equestrian Center has been transformed into a modern-day Noah’s Ark. In the past week, it has protected hundreds of animals from the disaster as part of its official role as the city’s largest animal shelter.
The center, in the shadow of Griffith Park, has taken in more than 200 horses, in addition to the nearly 500 already housed there.
Last Tuesday and Wednesday were “chaos”, said Jennie Nevin, spokeswoman for the horse centre. The center registered every horse that arrived, ensuring that they could not be reunited. Sheltering the animals comes at no cost to the owners, thanks to the support of public donations and the regular drop off of free hay, feed and more.
Sergio Marcial was one of the many people who brought animals here after their own properties were destroyed or threatened.
Last week, he and his girlfriend Jenny Bacon raced to help rescue more than 70 animals Eaton Dam Stables while battling flames so fierce that his face mask caught fire and his goggles shattered and twisted.
His efforts landed him in the hospital, with burns to his lungs and throat after inhaling the burning air.
A week later, Mr Marcial, 29, and Ms Bacon, 30, walked Arthur and Playboy – the two young horses they helped save that night – around their new home. Here, they were safe from the fire, and seemed calm and friendly despite all they had endured.
“It still hurts to swallow,” said Mr Marcial, pointing to the face mask he must wear to prevent infection. “I would do it all again – no question.”
Most of the owners of the shelter animals have been identified, and many owners spent Tuesday afternoon walking their horses to the stables.
A number of volunteers were taking care of other animals living in the center. Some have become local celebrities.
The two donkeys, Morris and Mika, often poked their heads out of the stalls to seek attention. They then ran down the mountain with their owner as the Palisades fire was approaching, and they met again because he had sprayed his number on the sides.
“They love you to sing for them,” said volunteer Lucena Herrera. “We were all just taking them in and taking care of them.”
But still a number of animals have not been claimed. A little horse named Izzy was still missing her owner a week after the fire. The volunteers had taken him in together until he found a new, permanent home.
So many volunteers showed up to help the animals that the staff had to turn some away, Ms Nevin said. Between 50-100 volunteers are now breaking down the stables, feeding the animals, blowing the grass and butchering Morris and Mika when the ants are growing.
Watching the owners reunite with their horses was one of the most important things for the volunteers, said London Scott, founder of the local Cali Cowboy Club.
“It’s a really good process to go through,” said Ms. Scott, “to be able to see that early on, and know that you played a small part in someone having peace of mind during a painful time later.”
Locals describe a deep bond with their animals and say that the burnt farms are a place of peace in this bustling area.
“They’re my safe place,” said Catherine Armenta, 42. “It’s like a bond, a connection that I don’t really have with anything else on this planet.”
Many of those here don’t know what happens next, where they might take their animals after the chaos of the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles County is over.
“I couldn’t even process any of this. There are 40 horses to look after,” Ms Bacon said. “When it’s all said and done, I think we’re all going to go get some margaritas and just have a good cry.”
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