Volunteers Needed At Solano Co. Large Animal Evacuation Shelter

NORTH BAY, CA — Officials in Solano County put out a call Monday for volunteers with experience handling large animals. The volunteers are needed at the large animal evacuation center at the Solano County Fairgrounds, 900 Fairgrounds Drive in Vallejo, officials said.

"The Atlas Fire has displaced hundreds of animals in Solano, Napa and Sonoma counties, many of which are finding temporary refuge at the large animal shelter at the Solano County Fairgrounds," said Matthew Davis, a spokesman for Solano County. "Volunteers play a critical role in making sure the animals and their facilities are well maintained."

Solano County District 1 Supervisor Erin Hannigan described the shelter as a 24-hour-a-day operation.

"We’re looking for volunteers who have experience working with horse and livestock, in safety operations, logistics, volunteer management, barn management, forklift drivers, heavy equipment operators and manual and skilled construction work," Hannigan said.

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Volunteers must be 18 years or older; children under 18 will not be admitted to the volunteer area even if accompanied by an adult.

Shifts are four hours long and run from 6 a.m. – 10 a.m., 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. and 2 a.m. – 6 a.m. Volunteers may also ask to be placed on a list to be called upon during future shifts should the need arise.

"If you’ve been looking for a way to get involved to help support those in our community who have been affected by the Atlas Fire, this is a good opportunity," Hannigan said. "Come on down, we’ll take great care of you, feed you, and put you to work in areas that best match your interest and skillsets."

For more information, go to SCFair.com/EvacCenter2017 or call 707-551-2008.

Photo: A horse grazes as smoke from a wildfire rises in the background, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Oakville, Calif. With the winds dying down, fire officials in California say they are finally getting the upper hand against the wildfires that have devastated wine country and other parts of the state over the past week. (Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press)