Journalist covering wildfire notices a mouth full of teeth in the flames and steps in
When the Creek Fire in Southern California ravaged through more than 15,600 acres, those residing within the area had to quickly flee their homes.
Unfortunately, not everyone was able to evacuate.
A 23-year-old horse named Kenny almost didn’t make it.
While the animal was running out of its stable, it stumbled and got trapped in a crevice between stable walls. As the wildfire got closer, the helpless creature was left laying on its back, unable to move free.
Fortunately, help was just close by. Gina Silva, a newscaster for KTTV Fox News and KCOP, was doing real-time reporting on the wildfires onsite.
It was while the reporter and her crew were walking around the area when she saw the trapped horse.
Because the firefighters were focused on containing the wildfires, Silva and her team tried to free the horse themselves but to no avail.
Thinking quickly, she decided to send out an SOS on social media.
Horse needs help!!! Stuck in a tiny gap. Fell running away from fire in Sylmar. 12122 Kagel Canyon. @FOXLA pic.twitter.com/qwRsdgY63i
— Gina Silva (@ginasilvafox11) December 5, 2017
Twitter users were quick to retweet the message in hopes of finding rescuers for Kenny. It didn’t take long before a local veterinarian read the tweet and got in touch with Silva. Locals offered their assistance, too.
In no time, a team of rescuers were gathered outside the stable.
The poor horse must have felt some sort of hope and relief upon seeing and hearing the crowd right outside!
“Several viewers sprung into action. A veterinarian tranquilized the horse, others began moving furniture out of a garage and LA County fire freed up a small crew to help with the rescue. They all tore down the wall to free the animal.”
Moments later, Kenny was free.
The animal was then brought to the veterinarian’s clinic for treatment. Thankfully, Kenny only had minor injuries and recovered quickly.
Not only was Kenny rescued and well taken care of, he was reunited with his owner, too.
The vet promptly got in touch with Kenny’s owner to give the good news. The woman, who shared that she wasn’t able to bring Kenny along as she fled the area where the wildfires happened, was incredibly relieved to hear that her horse was safe and sound. Incredibly grateful for Kenny’s life and the efforts of everyone involved in the rescue, the owner didn’t delay reaching out to say thank you. She even sent Silva flowers and a handwritten note.
remember the horse that @ginasilvafox11 and crew helped get rescue when it got stuck during the #creekfire??? well this is the thank you note the horse (and mom) sent to the newsroom. how awesome and so happy Kenny JR is doing well @FOXLA pic.twitter.com/G9hlj3m2o2
— Pete Wilgoren (@WILGOREN) December 24, 2017
Silva, who shared details of the rescue as well as updates on Kenny’s condition on her Instagram account, received praise for her actions. Online followers who were initially heartbroken at the news of the trapped horse expressed joy and relief at seeing photos of Kenny being rescued.
It’s truly heartwarming to hear stories of people showing compassion to animals, even in dangerous circumstances. Their lives matter just as much as ours do, that’s why they should never be intentionally left behind when life-threatening situations like wildfires happen.
Watch the incredible rescue in the video below!
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