Sandhills equestrian community unites after brush fires force horse evacuations
RAEFORD, N.C. (WTVD) -- Firefighters spent nearly seven hours battling a fast-moving brush fire Sunday that scorched 25 acres in Aberdeen and forced the evacuation of dozens of horses.
The smell of smoke was already in the air when Valkyrie Sporthorses' owner, Whitney Weston, received the call to evacuate. "Justin, who is with the fire department, was actually on grounds at The Carolina Horse Park surveying and taking care of the riders if there was a problem. So he was able to call me and tell me when it was time to evacuate," Weston said.
Justin McLeod, an EMT firefighter and safety coordinator at the nearby Carolina Horse Park, a sanctuary for equestrian enthusiasts, was ready to help. "I heard a call go out, recognized the address, made contact with the farm owner, let her know that I was here," McLeod recalled.
As the flames approached, Weston quickly loaded her 16 horses and transported them to safety at the horse park in Raeford. The evacuation was tense and challenging.
"Unlike dogs or cats, they can sense danger and fear a mile away. And their instinct is usually to run and flee. We had to take a deep breath because if a horse were to turn and run, we can't catch them, and they could have been trapped if it got to that point," she said.
According to Pinebluff Fire Rescue, the brush fire ignited just before 12:30 p.m. when an ATV burst into flames. Meanwhile, crews from Fort Bragg and other local units battled a second fire just 15 minutes away at Camp Mackall, which destroyed nearly 60 acres.
Despite the chaos, the equestrian community leaned on one another for support.
"The equestrian community, no matter what your discipline is, no matter how you choose to enjoy your sporting partner, we all are one family and one team," said Heidi Grimm Powell, co-chair of the board of directors at Carolina Horse Park.
Weston expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support.
"It really does bring tears to my eyes that everyone was so open and just ready to receive us, no questions asked at all. It was just obvious: 'We have this for you, come be safe,'" she said.
Her horses are now back home, and Weston says she is deeply grateful for the community's support.
Officials remind residents that North Carolina is under a burn ban because of dangerous fire conditions.
