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Friday, October 26, 2007

California Fire Update - Del Mar Shows Cancelled, and Del Mar Classic CDI-W Still Questionable

Update Oct 28 - Please note! Volunteers are no longer needed.

As the Del Mar fairgrounds put out a call for volunteers with horse experience, California state officials reported that the list of fires that are now 100 percent contained is growing. Still, the state isn’t out of the woods as several large fires are still only 20-40 percent contained.

More than 2,500 horses are being housed at the Del Mar fairgrounds, including those of Olympians Guenter Seidel and Steffen Peters and the fairgrounds is now asking for volunteers to help with their care. Hundreds of other horses are being housed at make-shift shelters that even include a Home Depot parking lot. Some of the shelters have no stalls and no corrals, but are at least out of the danger zones. Even where stalls are available, those stalls are often holding two or more horses.

The region’s horse community has pulled together in amazing ways, first saving one another’s horses and now helping care them. Donations of hay, feed and water are making their way to shelters but calls are still going out for more financial donations, including a call by the U.S. Equestrian Federation for donations to its Equine Disaster Relief Fund.

Not surprisingly, some horse shows are in jeopardy. One large hunter/jumper show scheduled to be held in Del Mar has already been cancelled and the Del Mar Classic CDI-W, which is scheduled for Nov. 9-11, is questionable.

Meanwhile, state and local police are on the hunt for suspected arsonists. Some have already been arrested but rewards are being posted for others, including a $150,000 reward for suspects in an Orange County fire. Stay tuned as we keep you updated on the latest fire news from Southern California.