Volunteers Rescuing Animals in Wildfires with Compassion and Composure

In Cohasset, California, amidst the ongoing battle with the state’s largest wildfire of the year, volunteer Norm Rosene is dedicating long days to rescuing animals behind the fire lines. Amidst the charred remains of Cohasset, his team discovered a newborn calf with its mother, both in need of immediate care. Rosene emphasizes the importance of providing feed and water to the animals, particularly with soaring temperatures in the forecast. He ensures the safety of the animals by extinguishing nearby fires and coordinating with firefighters before moving on to the next rescue mission.

Over 26,000 residents have been evacuated due to the Park Fire, leaving behind a variety of pets and livestock in need of assistance. Concerned owners rely on volunteers like Rosene to safeguard their animals until they can return home. By helping evacuate animals, Rosene aims to provide peace of mind to owners who might have otherwise chosen to stay behind in dangerous conditions to protect their animals.

Amidst the chaos of the Park Fire’s rapid spread last Wednesday, Rosene and his wife took swift action to evacuate their home in Chico. With their extensive experience as volunteers with the North Valley Animal Disaster Group, the couple swiftly sprang into action, rescuing a wide array of animals left behind in the fire’s path. Their training in animal behavior and rescue techniques enables them to effectively assist in various disaster scenarios.

Rosene stresses the importance of preparedness, encouraging pet owners to have evacuation plans in place for their animals as they do for themselves. After surviving the harrowing Camp Fire in 2018, where they aided over 4,000 displaced animals, Rosene and his team are well-versed in disaster response and animal rescue. Their dedication to animal welfare serves as a critical component of emergency response efforts in the face of wildfires and other disasters.