Agriculture Victoria veterinary officer Lee Manning said having a clear fire plan would help horse owners to establish their priorities and give them time to practise their plan, especially if it included floating horses to a safer location before high-risk days.
“Owners should prepare a ‘safer’ area for horses — this area should be as large as possible with minimal pasture and vegetation length and secure boundary fencing. Ideally, include a dam or secure water source not reliant on electric pumps,” Dr Manning said.
“Internal gates can be opened for more space, but horses need to be taught they can move through freely so they can escape even when highly stressed.
“On high fire danger days, move horses to your ‘safer’ area and take all gear off them, so they are free to move if you aren’t home during an emergency.
“Rugs get tangled, halters get hot and burn and fly veils may melt, so being naked gives your horse the best chance of survival.”
If you plan to leave early with your horses, be aware they take extra time. Ideally, leave in the morning before a fire event is unfolding.
Arrange now where you could go to — do not assume the pony club or showgrounds will be open or in a safe area.
Dr Manning said it was not realistic to evacuate horses with little notice, so have contingency plans, such as a ‘safer’ area, that all members of the house knew and had practised.
“Horses’ ‘flight’ instincts will be to run away from the danger of fire, and if cornered their ‘fight’ instinct will have them gallop through flames if necessary,” she said.
“Unfortunately, this ‘fight’ instinct will also have them gallop through you if you try to be with them, so please leave them free to run and survive alone.”
After a fire, check all horses for burns, smoke inhalation, eye irritation and leg injuries.
First aid for equine burns is very similar to people — hose them with clean, cool water for at least 10 minutes and call a vet immediately for advice.
Please consult your local CFA for local fire behaviour and weather patterns and develop your household fire plan and trigger points for actioning it with your animals included.
Further information can be found at go.vic.gov.au/46KMngC
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