Fresno County Rough Fire Evacuees Call for Assistance: Ag Commissioner Les Wright Pushes Relief


Fri. September 11th, 2015 - by Melissa De Leon Chavez

FRESNO COUNTY, CA - Residents in the Fresno County area of California are being evacuated as a mandatory measure while authorities fight to contain the Rough Fire. The abundantly agricultural area has led to residents reaching out for assistance in finding places for livestock to reside.

Les Wright, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures, Fresno County, CA“County Office of Emergency services has called for help for potential evacuees of the Rough Fire,” Les Wright, Fresno Agricultural Commissioner, said in an email to the California Fresh Fruit Association. “There are many people up in the area with horses, cows goats, etc. that if evacuation is necessary, temporary homes for the animals will be needed.

Wright added that he is coordinating with Fresno County OES and the Red Cross animal evacuation team, but is looking for volunteers that have corral space to house animals if necessary.

According to the Fresno Bee, the Rough Fire now ranks as California’s largest wildfire, and the eighth largest in the nation, currently having reached 110,134 acres, 25,000 of which were in the last week. As of yesterday, September 10th, the Rough Fire was 29 percent contained.

For those who are able to offer any assistance or space for livestock to stay temporarily, you can contact Wright at [email protected] or call (559) 317-7204.

Information needed includes:

  • Where you would be able to keep them.
  • What kind of animals you can board.
  • How many animals you would be able to house.

Any assistance that can be provided will be greatly appreciated by the residents of Fresno County.