Fire raced through the Oakridge Mobile Home Park about a mile from GDA, destroying hundreds of homes. Residents there have been tireless supporters of Guide Dogs both at the Sylmar facility and with monthly fundraisers in their neighborhood. Guide Dogs staff members expressed their heartfelt appreciation for them and deep sadness for their loss.
Fueled by 70 mile-per-hour Santa Ana winds, wildfires roared through the hills around Los Angeles, CA last week, destroying nearly 1,000 homes and burning within a mile of the Guide Dogs of America (GDA) breeding and training facility in Sylmar, CA, where 69 puppies and dogs were evacuated as smoke filled the air and sparks rained down.
“At some points, burning tree limbs were flying past staff members as we loaded dogs,” said Chuck Jordan, Director of Programs for GDA. “I can’t believe how fast the puppy raisers mobilized and came to our aid. What heroes! We are all safe and appreciate the help from everyone.”
A half dozen GDA staff members began the evacuation at 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, braving smoke and ash as they loaded the dogs into six vans - using crates, tie-downs and even the front seats. The hasty effort took only an hour and the dogs were on their way to the Rose Bowl, where they were temporarily placed with puppy raisers and area volunteers.
While U.S. Forest Service workers battled the inferno on the ground, IAM pilots from Local 946 employed by Dyncorp, flew non-stop, dropping tons of fire retardant material from tankers and helicopters for Cal Fire. Supported by mechanics and staff at McClellan Field, their combined efforts were no doubt instrumental in saving the GDA facility, which suffered ash accumulation but no serious damage.
“I am so thankful for the efforts of the volunteers and staff associated with Guide Dogs of America,” said Western Territory GVP Lee Pearson. “I’m also grateful for the work of our members at Cal Fire, who have been fighting an incredibly long and arduous fire season.”
Click here to view an extraordinary video about the evacuation.
A Cal Fire air tanker flies over the edge of a wildfire in California on Saturday.
Photo by Chris Carlson, AP
