Horses and Bushfires - Develop a Plan Now!

In times of crisis, people worry not only about their family and property but also about their livestock and pets. There are steps that horse owners can take to prepare themselves in case their property ever lies in the path of an advancing bush fire. The key to survival is forward planning and self reliance.

As all Australians know, the fires during the Black Saturday event showed us that no one and no creature is 'safe' from an uncontrolled bush fire. Fires leaped highways, lapped at city fringes, engulfed entire towns and travelled at a speed that out-paced our emergency service communications and warnings. Areas that we traditionally believed to be safe, were not. It was a horror that not only affected thousands of families but also decimated and left both domestic and native animals dead and mortally injured.

One thing that was driven home during past major fire events is that at the end of the day, when the crisis hits, you are on your own. The Country Fire Authority emphasises that bush fire protection strategies include foward planning. You are responsible for developing a survival plan for your family and horses.

Source: Quest Equine Welfare  Photo: www.abc.net.au

Quick Link

• Read the full article and learn hints for developing your bushfire plan at questequinewelfare.org
• Read an account from a Black Saturday bushfire survivor at www.abc.net.au