Fires in LA: Equestrian center shelters hundreds of animals

Last Tuesday and Wednesday were “chaos,” said Jennie Nevin, spokeswoman for the equestrian center. The facility cataloged each horse that arrived, ensuring they could be reunited. Sheltering the animals did not cost the owners, thanks to the support of public donations and frequent deliveries of free hay, food and other necessities.

Sergio Marcial was one of dozens of people who brought animals here after their facilities were destroyed or threatened.

A week ago, he and his girlfriend Jenny Bacon raced to help save more than 70 animals from Eaton Dam Stable, externalas he battled flames so strong that his face mask caught fire and his glasses shattered and distorted.

His efforts landed him in the hospital, his lungs and throat burned after inhaling the burning air.

A week later, Mr Marcial, 29, and Ms Bacon, 30, walked Arthur and Playboy – the two miniature horses he helped rescue that night – around their new home. Here they were safe from the fire, and they seemed calm and friendly in spite of all they had suffered.

“It still hurts to swallow,” said Mr. Marcial, pointing to the face mask he must wear to prevent infections. “I would do it all over again – no doubt about it.”

Most of the owners of the foster animals have been identified, and several owners spent Tuesday afternoon walking their horses around the stables.