BRC Evacuation Update

October 2, 2020

Glass Fire Update

As of 3am Monday morning and thanks to the combined efforts of staff and volunteers, all of our birds - both patients and residents alike - are safe and enjoying new digs!

As the fire expanded and moved quickly, we felt it was in the best interest of the birds to evacuate before it became an urgent and potentially harried situation.

Evacuation Night

Picture above taken at midnight in the BRC Ambassador compound.

After receiving fire alerts late Sunday night, staff and volunteers arrived at BRC at 1:00am Monday morning. By 3:00am all of our hospitalized birds and our Resident Ambassadors were evacuated to Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue, Native Songbird Care and Conservation, and WildCare of Marin.

It was an exhausting but rewarding night. After three years of practice, our team knew exactly what to do and carried out the evacuation quickly and efficiently.

After a rapid succession of mandatory evacuation notices (the closest being just down the street at Brush Creek) and with winds blowing toward us, it seemed we were under immediate threat of unknown magnitude by a very fast-moving fire. While our location was not mandated to evacuate, I made the decision to do so while we still had time, resources and the safety from imminent danger.

Upon arrival, we immediately began making calls to other shelters and to our team. After unlocking and putting out flashlights and lanterns, we were in touch with the 3 nearest facilities and received the welcome response that they would be able to accept our birds - both Ambassadors and hospital patients.

Mere moments passed before the cavalry arrived and our team got to work. Thanks to planning and prior experience, they were quick and efficient. All the birds (58 of them!), food, medications, paperwork, and important equipment were packed within just one hour and everyone was on their way to safety.

Next Steps

We are so grateful to our sister organizations for immediately offering their support. Key staff and volunteers from BRC are still tending to our Ambassadors while they enjoy their new surroundings. (Pictured here is Wowl at Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue.)

Bird Rescue is now closed to the public and volunteers

We are still maintaining our phone lines and providing assistance as much as we can while being off site.

We had hoped to repopulate BRC this weekend, however the red flag warnings, poor air quality and potential changes in the direction of the fires continue to be concerning. We will monitor conditions closely, but as long as there are active evacuation orders close by, we will continue to be cautious so as not to put humans or birds at risk.

Though some evacuation orders changed to warnings and some warnings have been lifted, the Glass Fire is still only 6% contained and we are in red flag warnings for extreme heat and uncertain winds. We know all too well from past experience how quickly things can change when the winds shift. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and re-evaluate as fire and wind conditions evolve.

I am so very proud of our team and impressed with their quick and thorough response to the evacuation call. I am truly honored to work with each and every one of them.

As you read this, I hope you are safe. Please take good care of yourselves during this trying time.

Thank you all for your dedication and support,

Ashton

While they are safe in other facilities, we still cover the cost of caring for all our Ambassadors and patients. If you are able to help with their continued care, please donate today.

Yes, I'll help !

The Bird Rescue Center | 707/ 523-2473 | Email

Web: birdrescuecenter.org