Impact of Fires on Wild Horses in Oregon, Idaho, and Nevada

Wildfires Threaten Wild Horses in the WestWildfires Threaten Wild Horses in the West

Wildfires across the western United States have posed significant threats to wild horse populations, affecting their habitats and survival. In Oregon, Idaho, and Nevada, these fires have led to tragic losses and prompted emergency relief efforts. This article explores the impact of these fires and the ongoing measures to protect these majestic animals.

Warm Springs Fire, Oregon

The 64,000-acre Warm Springs fire in Oregon has drastically impacted animals, including wild horses, on tribal lands. Our coalition partner, the Central Oregon Wild Horse Coalition (COWHC), is actively working on emergency relief efforts, including donations of hay. If you would like to donate to the COWHC, call 541-441-8165, or visit their website or their Facebook page.

Read more: Heat, wind test lines on 63,000-acre Warm Springs fire

The Soda Fire, Idaho

Twenty-seven wild horses died near Salmon Creek in the Hardtrigger herd management area, about 45 miles southwest of Boise, Idaho, when they were caught in the fast-moving Soda wildfire. The horses were found by a team of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) employees and a veterinarian who were checking the condition of two herds in the area. A gate was opened near the animals, but they were overtaken before they could escape. Additionally, two horses have been euthanized because their injuries were so extensive that they could not have survived.

Three wild horse herds are affected by the Soda fire. The Sands Basin herd has about 60 horses, and the Hardtrigger herd has roughly 170 animals. The third herd management area, Black Mountain, was not damaged to nearly the extent of the other two. As of August 21, 2015, this fire is 95% contained.

Update: On August 27, 2015, the BLM began the removal of all wild horses who reside within the Hard Trigger and Sands Basin HMA until the range can recover from the fire. Read more here.

Read more on the wild horses deaths:

The Cold Springs Fire, Nevada

The Cold Springs Fire started at approximately 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14. The fire is burning approximately 50 miles east of Fallon, NV, off the Carroll Summit Highway between Fallon and Austin in juniper trees and grass. Air and ground units are actively engaged in fire suppression activities. Investigators have confirmed that lightning was the cause of the fire.

The fire has been burning mostly in inaccessible steep and heavily wooded terrain in the Desatoya Mountain Range. This fire is in the vicinity of the Destoya HMA, but the BLM Carson City District says that gates are open for horses to leave the area, and that there have been no reports of horse injuries or deaths. As of August 21, 2015, the fire is 90% contained. Stay up to date, here.

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