Idaho Wildfire Threatens Wild and Domestic Horses

Officials in southwest Idaho are combating a wildfire that’s threatening both wild and domestic horses. The so-called Soda Fire, currently the largest wildfire in the lower 48 states, has burned 287,673 acres thus far. Nearly 500 firefighters are battling the blaze, which was probably started by lightning on August 10. Much of the impacted land is rangeland habitat used by wildlife such as pronghorn antelope and the sage grouse, serves as grazing land used by cattle ranchers, and is home to two Bureau of Land Management (BLM) herd management areas for wild horses.

The area is also heavily populated by domestic livestock and horses, but officials have largely been able to clear horses—both domestic and wild—from the path of fire.

Community Efforts to Protect Horses

“We are trying to get the warnings out; we work with sheriffs’ offices for notification when areas are threatened,” said Dave Boyd, an information officer for the Soda Fire. “With livestock operators, it is sometimes hard to get a hold of people. Most people usually show up on their own or we have locals who know where the livestock owners are.”

For horse owners, on the other hand, it’s a lot of neighbors helping neighbors. Horse owner Janet Miller of Marsing, Idaho, for instance, helped transport nine horses, a goat, and several chickens to her own property when the fire progressed to within 100 yards of her friend’s farm.

“It would have taken my friend three trips,” Miller said. “We did it with my trailer and hers in one trip. It was just really scary because we knew it [the fire] was coming quickly.

“We are very fortunate that we have green fields around us, but the fire was jumping around so I had a couple late nights just watching the fire,” she continued. “To me, it looked like a monster coming to attack. Over one hill all we saw was this massive red glow. When we did see flames, the flames were huge.”

Miller wasn’t the only neighbor lending a hand. “There was an overabundance of people offering to haul horses, take in horses to board,” she added. “I think that living in a rural community it’s just what we do.”

Impact on Wild Horses

Meanwhile, the BLM is still assessing the effects of the fire on its wild horse herds, and staff reports they were able to open gates and cut fencing so horses could escape the approaching flames. Boise District Wild Horse Specialist Steve Leonard flew over the area Thursday counting at least 60 horses in an unburned area. Additionally, BLM staff will haul hay and water to these horses.

The BLM expects it is likely some horses will have sustained injuries; one horse already has been humanely euthanized due to fatal wire injuries. The BLM is also considering an emergency wild horse gather to ensure the horses' long-term health and well-being.

Ongoing Firefighting Efforts

Fire management crews continue to work around the clock with aircraft, helicopters, and heavy equipment, which is currently only 15% contained. As of late Saturday afternoon, however, public information officers reported that if winds remain calm, hopes are for the fire to be 100% contained in three to five days.

Originally Posted By The Horse