In the fiery inferno of Los Angeles, animals are also burning: a race against time to save them

The fires ravaging Los Angeles they are causing great losses not only to the people, but also to the animals. The emergency has pushed many volunteers and professionals to mobilize to offer temporary shelters to domestic and wild animals fleeing the flames.

A key figure in this crisis is the doctor Annie Harvilicza veterinarian who has transformed its clinics into shelters to house displaced animals. Harvilicz started by taking in his brother’s pets, who were forced to evacuate, and then extended the invitation to the community through social media.

He is currently hosting over 40 animals among dogs, cats, rabbits and other small animals. It has made available two veterinary facilities in Marina Del Rey and Harbor City, as well as an old veterinary hospital reopened specifically for the emergency.

The response from the community has been extraordinary, with numerous volunteers offering to help with the management and care of the animals. The clinics, in addition to offering shelter, provide essential medical care, nutrition and space for movement of animals. Some of the animals sheltered suffered injuries during the fire, such as burns and lacerations, and are receiving the care necessary for their recovery.

Many animals are saved by volunteers and firefighters

Local associations and foundations are also playing a crucial role, providing food, blankets and medicines to evacuated families. Recreation and sports centres they have been transformed into temporary shelters for animals, allowing displaced people to bring their four-legged friends with them. For large animals, like horses, goats and sheepspecific spaces have been set up at facilities such as the Los Angeles Equestrian Center.

The situation remains critical, with the flames burning they continue to threaten homes and lives. Despite the efforts of firefighters, the fires are proving difficult to contain. For this reason, citizens were asked to evacuate bringing their animals with themas leaving them behind would be too dangerous.

Testimonies on social media highlight the severity of the situation and the importance of relief efforts. The video depicting the is viral rescue of three horses by a man and a woman who immediately afterwards threw themselves into the flames again to bring others to safety after having already freed two.

Dogs without a home wander around in desperationoften consoled by the firefighters themselves. Many interventions by firefighters to save the animals trapped in homes that had become a fiery inferno to return them to their owners.

Entire families are taking refuge in hotels or with friends, taking their pets with them to ensure their safety. In this moment of crisis, solidarity of the Los Angeles community is making a difference to save lives and animals.