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November 2020
Generous Support continues to flow in for Large Animal Evacuation Group
We are astounded by the outpouring of generosity and support from the community for the San Mateo County Large Animal Evacuation Group. To date we have received over $41,000 in donations from over 120 different donors. This includes the Mounted Patrol Foundation’s matching grant of $10,000.
Fortunately, the fires in our area seem to be largely under control, with good containment and mop-up operations going on. Some folks, who were lucky that their homes and barns were spared, have been able to return home. For some, there is nothing to return to, and their horses will require extended care.
We have funded many of the Group’s immediate expenses for the fires, including hay, gas cards, corral panels, and halters. We also offered to pay for the vet supplies that the many kind generous veterinarians consumed, but they have turned down offers of reimbursement.
Unfortunately, the fire season is not over, and we might suffer similar fires this year, and in the years to come. The remainder of the funds raised for the Large Animal Evacuation Group will be used to build the infrastructure and stock supplies to help them be ready for future fires.
As part of this effort, a water trailer is being purchased to enable the Group to bring water to horses on properties that have lost power for their wells. Also, several satellite phones will be bought to permit communication with other emergency responders when, as happened this year, cell phones and 2-way radios fail to operate.
Four chip readers have been provided to enable teams to identify horses that have been separated from their homes and owners. In addition, the Foundation and the Group have plans to set up a clinic, in conjunction with SMCHA and other horse organizations, to provide chips for horses who have not been chipped. Horses with chips can be scanned to ensure the chips are working and linked to the appropriate owner with correct contact information.
The Group is also planning is to purchase two supply trailers, one for coast side, and one for bay side, to keep all the necessary supplies on hand i.e. halters, ropes, buckets, ID tags, communications equipment, water, rations, emergency vests, flashlights, etc. The trailers will have solar-powered battery chargers to enable their crews and other first responders to charge cell phones, satellite phones and other portable devices. A few cots and chairs will be available to provide crews an opportunity to take much needed breaks. If there is another fire emergency, they will deploy one to the staging area and the other to the holding area
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| Kings Mountain Fire Brigade needs your help
Another important local group that was involved in fighting the fires is the all-volunteer Kings Mountain Fire Brigade. These dedicated men left their day jobs to fight the fires and protect the Woodside/Portola Valley area. Their major fund raiser has always been the Kings Mountain Art Fair, which was canceled this year due to COVID. As a result, they have lost the majority of their funding for this year. The Fire Brigade needs supplies and vehicle maintenance to recover from this fire and to prepare for the next. While many of us support the KMFD individually, it is beyond the purview of the Foundation to support directly. If you are interested, the governing body for the KMFD, which is the Kings Mountain Volunteer Fire Brigade, Inc. (a 501(c)(3) registered non-profit), is soliciting donations to maintain and enhance this critical local community resource.
To donate, you may contribute a tax-free and commission-free donation through PayPal:
or
you may send a check payable to the Kings Mountain Volunteer Fire Brigade directly to:
Kings Mountain Volunteer Fire Brigade, Inc.
13889 Skyline Blvd.
Woodside, CA 94062
Thanks to all those who have contributed to the San Mateo County Large Animal Evacuation Group. For everyone, please consider supporting the Kings Mountain Fire Brigade.
Don Pugh
Chair, Mounted Patrol Foundation.
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