Rescued Holiday Farm Fire animals in C.O.; some treated for burns, smoke inhalation

70 animals housed at Redmond fairgrounds, awaiting temporary homes

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- In addition to human evacuees, animals now are arriving and being cared for at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond after being rescued from fires around Oregon.

Nearly 70 animals were evacuated Sunday night from the Holiday Farm Fire. Now, volunteers are working to ensure their health and find them temporary homes.

Chickens, pigs, sheep, geese, ducks, cats and rabbits were rescued from three different farms.

Central Oregon's Pet Evacuation Team received these rescued animals, and expect more throughout for the next few days. Regional Director Jamie Kanski said Monday the animals are now eating and resting.

It's very stressful for these animals," Kanski said. "That's why we are very grateful to have some knowledgeable volunteers who know about particular habits and needs of these animals, and they're making sure they get what they need to make it through the stressful transition."

While some are recovering well, others are being treated for burns and smoke inhalation.

The Bend Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center, a 24-hour pet hospital, is currently treating one cat for injuries.

Dr. Shalet Abraham, ER veterinarian and medical director for the pet hospital, said it's important these animals are also protected from the smoke.

"Its just as bad for animals as it is for people, especially if they are right there in that fire line," Abraham said. "So we can deal with a couple of different things."

"They can get carbon monoxide poisoning , the kind of thing you can get if you're in a house fire. They can get cyanide poisoning from the smoke. They can have secondary acute lung injuries, so they can get something called non-cardiogenic  pulmonary edema, which is essentially fluid-filled lungs.

"They can even have burn injuries, all the way down their mouth and into their lungs."

The cat is recovering well, and will be taken later to the Humane Society.  

The Pet Evacuation Team will not be sending these animals to private farms, as the animals need to stay together. They're also unable to accept volunteers at this time, as the team requires volunteers to undergo a three-part training, for liability and insurance purposes.

The Humane Society of Central Oregon is also assisting with rescued animals.

HSCO staff and Dr. Liz Gray with Wavelength Veterinary Services took in eight rabbits and one cat Sunday night. HSCO is working in partnership with the emergency clinic to ensure animal fire victims are receiving the appropriate medical care, treatment and housing.

If you're interested in donating to the Pet Evacuation Team, visit http://www.petevacuationteam.com/.

If you're interested in donating to the Bend Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center, visit https://www.bendvetspecialtyemergency.com/.