Not quite out of the woods..

Equine Emergency Preparedness Committee

Reflecting upon the recent Brinnon / 2620Jupiter Wild Fire here in JeffCo, we were fortunate at our last Chapter meeting ( 9/13/24 ) to welcome a presentation by CVAR (Center Valley Animal Rescue). This rescue organization found themselves on point during that wildfire event, and rallied to the task with swift organizing actions, (i.e.: lists of needs and resources) and succinct communications through social media.

We got to hear about CVAR from their beginnings to sharing their Jupiter WildFire experiences over those crucial fire break-out days. CVAR Director Sara Penhallegon educated us on the various preparations made for a potential community animal evacuation effort. Luckily, as you know the community stepped up with volunteers during that time – and the fire thankfully stepped down due to the extraordinary swift efforts of the fire crews, and with no major large animal evacuations being needed.

A few Highlights from the meeting:
– We had 20 attendees at our meeting to discuss CVAR as an rescue organization, and what they can contribute to helping our community with animal evacuations. 
– Encouraging BCHW members to sign up through CVAR if they wish to volunteer for future evacuation needs in Jeffco.
– We also met EOC guest, and new volunteer MaryAnn Demilo, who is helping to formulate JeffCo Ag and Animal response plans for our community.

Our chapter President Judy, made a short presentation as part of our outreach to share information with other nearby Chapters. Its a super primer, worth the review, and reminder to be Fire Safe for your property, and your stock.