Horse and livestock owners were scrambling on September 17, 2020 when evacuation warnings were issued for communities of Pinon Hills and Wrightwood. The Bobcat Fire was rapidly burning through the Angeles National Forest towards the Antelope Valley floor and several mountain communities.
In an evacuation warning, it is recommended that horse and livestock owners evacuate their animals as soon as possible. It takes time to find an evacuation site, trailer animals, and move them to a remote location. Imagine trying to evacuate your animals and family at the same time should an evacuation order be issued. Additionally, if an evacuation order is issued, trucks with animal trailers can cause traffic issues because of their size and inability to maneuver in traffic or tight spaces.
When the warning was issued, Ann Kline, owner of Mia Ola’s Place, jumped into action and offered her Phelan horse rescue ranch as an evacuation site. Additionally, the Phelan Pinon Hills Community Services District opened their vacant 5-acre lot, next to the Phelan Park as an evacuation site, and even provided free water for the animals.
Ann started picking up horses immediately after she began receiving heartfelt pleas from worried horse owners throughout the night. By morning more horses from Wrightwood were scheduled for pickup. Over the next few days, after the warning was issued and the fire seemed to be out of control and heading directly for Pinon Hills and Wrightwood, 26 horses were brought to safety and a breath fresh air.
In times of need, like the Bobcat Fire and the Blue Cut Fire, Ann opens her property and heart to those in need. Ann, her staff, and volunteers spring into action when it means helping animals, if they can help, they do.
