The AFWHS Inc put together, with the help of a member who had experienced devastating bushfires through their area, put together some useful information that you may find interesting and useful. As we head into summer again, we urge EVERYONE to have a detailed Bushfire Plan in place!

Horses in Bushfires

Ensuring our horses are safe during a bushfire is a frightening and challenging time for owners. Living in Australia means that each summer we face the fear that an out-of-control bushfire will cause people to put themselves and others at risk attempting to rescue horses at the last minute.

The key is preparation; whether you decide to move your horses or leave them at home. It’s far too late to start planning a Bushfire Plan, particularly with horses and other pets, when the fire front is bearing down! It’s not just about ensuring their safety as the fire passes either but remembering that you also may not be allowed back into a fire-devastated area for days or even weeks afterwards.

It is important to have a plan in place to determine what you will do with your horses before a fire starts. Once a fire is already approaching your property, it is unlikely that you will be able to safely move your horses and we have all heard of people who have died trying to save horses in a bushfire when it is too late.

Here’s what you need to consider when you are developing your Bushfire Plan.

Preparing your Property
Download your State’s Emergency App and keep an eye on the long-term weather forecast. Check the Emergency App for up-to-date Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Ban information, as well as warnings and the locations of current fires.

Moving horses as a fire front approaches can be very dangerous; you need to decide well ahead of time what your trigger to leave will be: is it a Code Red Day, an Extreme Day or a Severe Fire Danger Day? Will you wait for an actual bushfire advice? You don’t want to be debating with yourself as the risk increases. Decide what locations you will take your horse if conditions are threatening? Often places like show grounds, saleyards, racetracks and pony clubs are available and may be safer than your own property. In addition, many people organise in their Bushfire Plan to have a friend or agistment centre lined up to move their horses if there is a Bushfire alert/advice issued.

Make an emergency kit and assemble essentials to take with you in case you must evacuate, including (excluding  important personal possessions) at least three days of feed, halters and leads, first aid kit and any medications.

If you need to leave your horses at home, you will need to work out the safest place on the property. A large eaten out paddock is good, especially if it’s got a dam in it so they can cool off or retreat if they need to.  Another idea is a sand arena is also good if it’s away from vegetation.

Preparing your Horse
Think about how you will move your horse if the worst comes to the worst. If your plan is to move them on high danger days, consider moving them out the day/night before. If your plan is only for when a threat is present, consider moving you horse at the “advice” level rather than waiting for the emergency level, as then it is often too late.

Another crucial thing to consider is how well does your horse float? Do they only go on angle load floats or trucks? Can anyone float them or does it have to be you? These things are crucial. You may not be able to get back in time and someone else may be moving your horse for you. If your horse has issues floating, seek training or ensure you have the designated spot on your property for them.

Ensure your horse is microchipped and registered on a licenced registry in case it becomes lost during a fire. Include proof of ownership/ identification records in your emergency kit.

Actions on Severe, Extreme and Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating Days or if a Fire Alert is Issued

  • Move horses to a safe area i.e., grazed paddock close to the house.
  • Remove rugs and fly veils from the horses which may catch fire, become very hot or melt to the fur and skin.
  • Fill containers and store fresh clean water. Fill all troughs and spare containers.
  • Create an emergency feed supply and store close to the house.
  • Write your phone number on the side of each horse (not the hoof)
  • If no one is going to be on the property for the day, or if you need to evacuate suddenly, open internal gates where possible to enable horses to escape radiant heat and run through or around a fire (if fire occurs suddenly)
  • On no account let your horses loose onto open roads as they will endanger others, including emergency service workers.
  • Secure the gates open, so that they do not close during a fire.

If a fire is going to pass through the property:

  • Keep water hose available to wet tails and manes or drench the horses in water, so that they can pass through the fire.

It is also worth mentioning, you need a back-up plan for water and electricity (for water pumps) if you plan to stay and defend. Often mobile phone towers and power are the quickest services to be lost in the networks, so it is advisable to be sure you have alternate methods of power and communication of you plan to stay. If you cannot, always evacuate early!

After the Fire

  • Remove the horses from burnt ground as soon as possible.
  • Care must be taken when returning horses to burnt areas after a bushfire as there may still be hotspots which could burn the hooves or legs of your horse. It is also advisable to find out if fire retardant has been used on your property, as horses (and some other livestock cannot go in those paddocks straight away).
  • Make sure the horses drink the stored water.
  • Check the horse’s nostrils for black discharge and laboured breathing or wheezing.
  • Assess for need for a vet asap.
  • Check fencing on the property.
  • Continue to monitor your horse over the next few days as some symptoms can take a while to appear.

Each State and Territory Emergency Fire Service provides a Bushfire Plan Template which takes you
through the steps to develop your Bushfire Plan to prepare your property, your horses, and what to
do before and after a fire.

For more information on how to write down  your Bushfire Survival Plan go to:

  • www.cfs.gov.au – South Australian Country Fire Service
  • cfa.vic.gov.au – Victorian Country Fire Authority
  • dfes.wa.gov.au/bushfire – Western Australia department of Fire and Emergency Services
  • www.rfs.nsw.gov.au -NSW Rural Fire Service
  • pfes.nt.gov.au – NT Fire and Rescue Service
  • www.qld.gov.au/rural fire – Queensland Rural Fire Service