Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
TEN SLEEP – Leaders from several agencies held an open house and educational session in Ten Sleep on Friday to discuss what to do with livestock in the event of fast moving wild fires on private and public land.
Led by Karen Fenton of the Washakie County Conservation District and Washakie County Extension Educator Caitlyn Youngquist, the session emphasized planning for a wildfire event, and coordination with local agencies and departments to seek the best options for keeping livestock safe.
Worland Fire Chief Chris Kocher and Shane Starbuck of the Ten Sleep Fire Department were on hand to discuss coordination with county fire resources, and Katie Hilmer, of Snoopie’s Pet Sitting, demonstrated how to create a “go-bag” for animals in case of an evacuation.
In the planning phase, the Farm Evacuation Plan (available from the Washakie County Extension office), emphasizes identifying priorities before evacuation, including high risk animals, available facilities and transportation, and communication strategies with neighbors or aiding volunteers.
The plan suggests practicing relocating livestock in the event of an emergency, and evaluating time involved to reach a safe area.
For those who lack the opportunity or transportation, sheltering in place with animals is suggested, and tips include marking animals with telephone numbers in case they escape, providing plenty of water, turning off all gas and propane on the property, and preparing to release the animals for later capture if needed.
As outlined by the plan, evacuation levels start at being ready for an emergency and identifying any threats (fire dangers), to be set to evacuate (preparation to “bug out”) and leaving in the face of immediate threat (evacuation to a safe location).
The plan also suggests leaving information on gates and fences for fire and law enforcement personnel (location of water sources and fuel), leaving gates and doors unlocked for emergency access, leaving keys in vehicles for moving if need, turning off gas and designating an area out of state for contacting family.
The Conservation District and Extension office will host the animal evacuation session again on Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. at the Washakie County Fair.