A frightened thoroughbred being evacuated during a wildfire in California broke free from handlers and returned to the blazing paddock to rescue other horses struggling to find their way to safety.
The Simi Valley wildfire, dubbed the “Easy Fire,” broke out in the early morning hours on Wednesday and spread to over 1,600 acres by Thursday afternoon. The Easy Fire threatened the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, forcing an evacuation on Wednesday, but did not cause damage to the building. There are currently 10 separate California wildfires forcing emergency evacuations of residents and livestock.
Video from local newscasters in Ventura County shows the heroic horse suddenly reverse direction before being loaded onto an emergency trailer and canter back to the roadside enclosure as it became more engulfed in smoke and flames. A frantic colt and another grown thoroughbred are then seen following their four-legged rescuer to safety and to the several people gathered on the highway attempting to save the horses from rapidly spreading blaze.
“From the #EasyFire in Simi Valley – this thoroughbred goes back into the blaze to get his family,” said Rex Chapman on Twitter. “Not all heroes wear capes.”
From the #EasyFire in Simi Valley – this thoroughbred goes back into the blaze to get his family. Not all heroes wear capes…??? pic.twitter.com/BsU6PlBq8R
— Rex Chapman?? (@RexChapman) October 30, 2019
So far, two structures have been destroyed by the sudden blaze, and 7,000 others remain in harm’s way. Horses evacuated from the scorching fields in Simi Valley horse country were taken to volunteer holding areas, including the Ventura County Fairgrounds and the local Humane Society. More than 100 horses were being held at the fairgrounds as of Wednesday afternoon.
