Behind the fire line of California’s largest blaze this year, Norm Rosene was busy at work saving the animals
**”COHASSET, California — As California’s largest wildfire of the year rages on, Norm Rosene is dedicating his 18-hour days to a critical mission: rescuing animals from the inferno.
Amid the devastation of Cohasset’s scorched landscape, Rosene and his team found a newborn calf huddled in an old barn, its mother keeping a vigilant watch while it nursed. With temperatures set to soar above 37 degrees Celsius, Rosene emphasized the urgent need for water and feed for both the calf and its mother. “It’s crucial to ensure they stay hydrated and nourished,” Rosene explained, as he extinguished any lingering embers and alerted nearby firefighters.
The Park Fire has displaced over 26,000 residents and charred more than 1,554 square kilometers, leaving behind a desperate situation for pets and livestock. From cats and dogs to chickens, horses, and goats, volunteers like Rosene are essential in rescuing these animals and keeping them safe until their owners can return.
Rosene’s dedication is driven by the belief that rescuing animals provides relief to owners who might otherwise choose to stay in danger. “If we can help them evacuate their animals, they’re safer and feel better knowing their pets aren’t left behind,” he said.
When the Park Fire ignited last Wednesday, Rosene initially didn’t anticipate it reaching his area. But as winds shifted, he and his wife Janice were forced to evacuate their Chico home in the early hours. “The scene was terrifying—roaring flames, swirling embers, and a blood-red sky,” Rosene recalled, showing harrowing images of the blaze.
Fortunately, their home survived, and they quickly set to work evacuating animals. Volunteering with the North Valley Animal Disaster Group for the past 12 years, the couple is trained in various disaster response techniques, from flood and fire rescues to animal behavior and handling. Their expertise allows them to work alongside firefighters, assisting in animal rescues without interfering with firefighting operations.
Rosene, the team’s designated snake-and-lizard handler, has even evacuated giant emus and their chicks. For large animals, the focus is on keeping them calm and safe, avoiding the stress of loading them into trailers if possible. When evacuation is necessary, animals are transported to Camelot Equestrian Park for large animals and an emergency shelter in Oroville for smaller pets.
The aftermath of a fire poses additional challenges, with hazards like falling trees, power lines, and smoldering debris delaying the lifting of evacuation orders. Rosene’s past experiences, including aiding over 4,000 animals during the catastrophic Camp Fire of 2018, highlight the importance of preparedness.
“If there’s one takeaway, it’s the need for pet owners to be prepared,” Rosene emphasized. “Just as you have an emergency kit for yourself, ensure you have one for your pets too.”**