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Preparing for fire is crucial for Australian horse owners

By Jake O’Connor

Horse properties can range from one beloved pet in a small paddock to several horses on a smaller holding, large agistment centres, extensive racing stables and breeding operations. The diversity of the landscape, different seasonality relating to fires and the capacity of fire fighting authorities to deal with large events means the responsibility for individual property owners to plan ahead is a fact of life. When horses are involved, that planning requires a focused approach to ensure the best mechanisms are in place to protect them and our own lives.

These aren’t animals we can simply put in the car along with the dog and cat and head for safety. Not all horse owners own a float. There may be limited facilities to take horses to out of a danger zone. Many riders agist well away from where they live. An increasing number of properties contain horses as urban fringe lifestyle properties spread. The thinking on how to handle horses in a fire situation continually evolves and owners need to keep abreast of these methods.

Each individual property situation is different, so every horse owner needs to develop their own plan to incorporate their animals. When making an overall property plan according to the guidelines provided by each state and territory’s fire authorities (see contacts next page), there are some general rules that all horse owners can put in place before the worst of the fire season strikes. But, the equipment and mechanisms outlined should also be underpinned by knowledge of factors such as the terrain, climate, the condition and placement of buildings, water availability, surrounding vegetation and being realistic about what you are physically and psychologically capable of dealing with in such an event.

Emergency resources simply can’t attend every property in a major fire, but we can make their task easier by being responsible for our animals. Contact local fire authorities and ask if they can help facilitate the creation of fireguard plans. These can bring together neighbours who are then aware of your individual approach and also mobilise a like-minded group when this is appropriate. Even an annual get together – a great excuse for a barbecue – with neighbours can determine what resources could be shared and who could do what.

For instance, a horse owner in Queensland or Western Australia would face vastly different situations than those that have emerged in the nation’s capital. In the ACT, which enjoys the highest level of per capita horse ownership in Australia, planning rules means there is no urban/rural interface or collection of ‘lifestyle’ properties. A large proportion of horse owners use  agistment centres – both public and private. In the 2003 Canberra bushfires, distraught owners rushed to agistment centres to care for their horses. Some became trapped by the approaching firefronts, leading to subsequent, specific fire planning relating to these centres.

Victoria’s devastating Black Saturday fires in 2009 also saw a heartbreaking level of horses killed or injured and owners endangering their lives trying to get them to safety. Veterinary services battled to get access to highly unstable and still dangerous areas for days after the main event. This has led to innovative, more efficient mobile veterinary treatment facilities by the RSPCA (see breakout), but these are not the norm nationally.

But, there are practical measures we can take to give our horses the best chances of safety, survival and treatment. Our overview guide includes information from the Victorian Department of Agriculture, various country fire authorities and animal welfare authorities. Such actions should be part of a general, overall property plan and take into account each individual’s decision as to whether they choose to stay and defend a property or to go early when extreme fire warnings are issued.

Sometimes, it’s the simple things that make a great deal of difference. For example, have you considered whether synthetic material in your horse’s halter may not be ideal in a fire? The power is cut and so are the electric fences. There’s a human first aid kit at hand, but nothing to treat any scratches or burns the horses have suffered. Do you still believe it is best to cut fences and let horses run free to find their own safety zone?

Stay or go

The ideal scenario would be that we are all in a position to calmly evacuate our horses when a high fire danger looms. In some areas this can be achieved where you can individually take your horse or pony clubs and riding groups will mobilise to organise a convoy of trucks and floats to transport horses to a forward-thinking facility, such as a local council’s showgrounds, parks, saleyards and even racetracks where volunteers are on hand until the danger passes. Check if such an option is available in your area.

Others may rely on family or friends to accommodate their animals. But, in many cases, we either don’t read the warnings in time or believe we are well prepared and can cope. One important, immediate step for those in potential fire zones is to ensure horses are identifiable. If they need to be evacuated, could run loose through burnt fences or you can’t get back to your property and the department of agriculture and animal welfare authorities have to round them up and contain them (a common scenario), make sure they can trace you. A major post-fire issue is the intense effort to reunite owners with animals.

Have your horses microchipped. Otherwise, at least have a livestock grease crayon (used to number horses in endurance rides) and put your name and phone number on horses if an emergency suddenly strikes. Neckbands and tags on leather head collars or a rug are useful. Drawing a picture that denotes a horse’s markings or taking a photo with you can help in any reuniting process.

Think too about the horse’s ‘survival kit’. When we leave during a warning, the car will be loaded with clothes, essential items and some precious possessions. Wave your evacuated horse off with what it needs – the halter that fits, a lead rope, any special food or medications and even some temporary fencing. Write a profile so its carers know if they have a kicker, biter, easy leader etc. It may be some time before you can be reunited with your horse.

Leaving them behind

You have decided for the safety of the family to leave, but the horse will stay on the property. You can prepare a safe place ahead of time. Horses are usually less stressed when left in familiar surroundings. Choose an area that is as large as possible – open the internal property gates if necessary – but, aim for an area with minimal vegetation.

Confining them to small areas or giving them access to roads is extremely dangerous. If there is a larger area that has a dam, then make this your safety paddock. Put a sign up that says ‘evacuation paddock’ and clearly points to where it is. If fire crews turn up on the property in your absence, they can ensure animals are contained while they get on with their job. 

Ensure there is clean water and food in fire-resistant containers. Remove rugs or any other equipment that may cause injury or distress.

Do not lock them in barns, stables or other buildings assuming that fire crews will get there eventually.

A large, well-fenced sand ménage can be a good option as long as there are no trees or nearby buildings that will readily burn. On days of extreme fire warning, horses can be put in the designated safe area, particularly if you work away from home. Australia also has a large number of country ‘weekenders’, where horses are kept or paddocks let out for agistment.

Often owners are ‘going to get around to’ grass slashing or ensuring paddocks are grazed low. Include these properties in group plans as absentee owners are as responsible as you for the fire preparedness of their properties.

Agistment

Discuss fire plans with the property owner if your horse is agisted. In the event of a fire, roads may be closed preventing access and exit. Have a clear understanding of what the property owner will handle and has in place by way of a plan and what you are expected to do when fire weather alerts may be issued. A sudden fire situation can often overwhelm, with all attention turned to saving people, buildings and assets. Ensure where you agist is aware of when you may be away.

Reducing hazards

Part of any overall fireplan and property plan should be the regular removal of hazards. While the general list addresses the removal of fire fuel such as excess grass and keeping areas around buildings clear, horses can become part of the plan.

Storing hay or straw, wood shavings or combustible chemicals away from vital buildings is important. Fire breaks can be strategically placed to incorporate any safe areas and grazing plans devised to reduce fire risk.

If a property has a well watered and maintained garden area and lawn near a house, this can become a makeshift safe haven in an emergency. High risk areas can benefit greatly from a water tank, sprinkler system and firefighting pump, even if there is a reticulated water supply. When checking your fences as part of the property maintenance, investigate whether any replacements needed can be fireproof via steel or concrete posts.

The right tools

An overall fire plan will provide an essential list of general items to have in your ‘toolkit’ – such as a battery radio, torches, hoses etc – that should be set aside and clearly marked for fire fighting only. Everyone who lives, works or agists on a property should be aware of where these are.

For horse owners, there is an additional list. Put these items into a bin or large container in the event you remain on a property after a fire or need them during a fire fighting effort: 

• A good quality set of wire cutters and a sharp knife

• A torch, portable radio and spare batteries

• A water bucket

• Extra lead ropes and head collars

• Woollen blanket and towels

• Equine first aid items.

Dress for success

If fire does threaten your property, dress appropriately and understand that evacuating at a late stage with your horses is a very dangerous option. The quietest of horses can panic in smoke filled floats or at the sound of sirens. Fallen trees and powerlines can  see you stopped in your tracks and trying to control the uncontrollable.

But, wearing cotton fabrics, woolen garments, long sleeved shirts, long pants and a wide brimmed hat is defence against radiant heat.

Leather gloves and boots are essential and have goggles to protect eyes. They are all items we tend not to have at hand on a 35 degree day, but to venture out in anything less is sheer folly. And, you may feel slightly foolish, but get your horse used to you wearing this ahead of time.

What applies to humans also applies to horses.

• Don’t use nylon or plastic halters and lead ropes in summer. They can melt. Leather and cotton may not be as strong, but they are safer.

• Don’t use nylon fly masks or any other synthetic tack.

Response

If opting to stay, then observe the following when fire becomes a direct threat:

• Remove all the equipment from the horse, including leather as metal buckles get very hot. • Get the horses to the designated safe area.

• When horses are taken out of stables, ensure doors are shut. They do run back to a perceived safe area, even if it is on fire.
• A fractious horse may need a temporary blindfold.

• If time permits, a horse can be drenched with water – particularly manes and tails – if it has to pass through or near fire.

Experience has shown horses will suffer minimal injury if they have maximum space to move. They will gallop through flames or around edges of burning areas and instinctively stand on an already burnt area.

This does not include letting them onto roadways. It is common for fire crews to be confronted by panicked horses on roadways and you are legally responsible if they cause an accident.

Fire fronts pass quite quickly – 10 to 20 minutes – and horses with the chance to move in open space will cope well.

Post-fire

When safe to go outside, assess any immediate injuries and what you can treat with the equine first aid kit. Veterinary or Department of Agriculture help may not be immediately available. Ensure there is uncontaminated water, feed and unburnt cool ground available.

These are interim measures. Animal welfare and treatment authorities are working under emergency conditions and some symptoms won’t become clear until days and even weeks after a fire.

The main problems to be vigilant about are:

• Facial burns are common as they turn and run through a fire front. This can damage eyes and eyelids, as well as soft muzzle areas.

• Smoke inhalation.

• Hoof damage from standing on hot ground.

• Lacerations from running into fences.

The extent of injuries will vary widely, depending on the severity of the fire.

First aid

When the smoke and dust settles, the immediate attention you may need to give before a full vet check can be carried out, includes:

Burns – Burns cause inflammation, so your first aid must be anti-inflammatory. Even cold water from a hose or gently sponging with cold

water – if it is still available – can help. Severe burns require intensive treatment and need veterinary advice. Keep the horse well hydrated until help arrives

Smoke inhalation – The effects may not be immediately obvious. But, within three to four hours they can show rapid, laboured breathing and increased heart rate. It can take weeks for this to have an effect. Limit exercise and provide plenty of water when smoke is visible.

Hoof damage – Overheating of hooves can cause a type of laminitis. It is vital to get a horse off hot ground as fast as possible. Any signs of lameness after a fire need immediate veterinary attention.

Nutrition – The pasture may be gone, contaminated or damaged and feed supplies destroyed. Horses with injuries need extra energy – particularly protein – and supplementary feeding can go on for up to a year after a fire. If you can’t temporarily relocate then the horse's  usual diet needs to be replicated. This includes the right amount of roughage (1 per cent of their body weight daily).

New feeds should be introduced gradually, with small meals more often. Horses with muzzle burns may have difficulty eating hay, so processed feed or chaff may be needed.  It can be a not uncommon case of saving the horse from a fire only to see it suffer from colic.

Returning home

Whether bringing a horse back home from a safe haven or putting them back on a paddock after a fire, carefully assess the safety of the area. Hot spots can flare up days and weeks after a major fire. Water supplies can be contaminated. Damaged structures can implode, trees suddenly fall and fences fall apart. Check trees for ‘ash pits’ where root systems have burned. 

 

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