At least 20 animals sheltered from Watch Fire burning on San Carlos Reservation east of Globe
Officials with the San Carlos Animal Control Program said they sheltered more than 20 dogs, puppies and cats belonging to evacuated residents of the Watch Fire that burned at least 2,000 acres in southeastern Arizona on Saturday.
Animal control director Harty Bendle said the organization was assisted by nearby volunteers and veterinarians to provide care for any animal in need for the next four to five days.
The temporary shelter for animals was established at the Apache Gold Casion located off U.S. 70, about 10 minutes east of Globe and 15 minutes west of the evacuated area.
Bendle said the group sheltered about 15 dogs, six puppies, and three cats as of Saturday evening.
"The hardest part is to drive by and see these homes gone, and these people have nowhere to go. These animals might end up in another home somewhere in Tucson or Phoenix. It's heartbreaking," said Bendle.
At least 75 residents of San Carlos were homeless on Saturday night, and many of those evacuees had to take their animals with them—if they could.
Once evacuated himself, Bendle and his fellow animal control staff heard stories of animals displaced by the fire running loose on the reservation.
Bendle said his office was less than half a mile away from homes destroyed in the wildfire.
"Several times the wind changed, and once it changed west, it headed towards homes," said Bendle.
The fire had destroyed 10 homes by Saturday with zero containment as fire crews continued to fight the blaze.
"You could hear the fire crackling and whistling, right away we thought about the animals," said Bendle.
Bendle said animal control was only able to enter the evacuated area to look for animals when authorities allowed them to, which they were able to start doing on Friday.
Bendle said critical donations came from Gila County Animal Control, White Mountain Animal Control, and individual volunteers throughout the region.
"They don't get paid to do this yet. There are still here, you know, helping out," said Bendle.
Anyone in the anyone in need of help can take their animals to the pavilion at the Apache Gold Casimo, or call animal control secretary at 928-812-5423, or the office at 928-475-2688. Residents could also contact Bendle directly at 928-961-6185.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Dogs, puppies, and cats sheltered by animal control amidst Watch Fire
