Last Evacuated Animals Leave Springdale Rodeo Grounds

As wildfires forced residents from their homes across the region, the Springdale Frontier Days Rodeo Association turned its rodeo grounds into a temporary refuge for evacuated livestock and other animals. According to SFDRA President Heather Hulett, the last animals at the grounds left on Aug. 8. During that span, association volunteers provided around-the-clock care so animal owners could focus on evacuating, protecting property and dealing with the effects of the fires.

The rodeo grounds ultimately housed 37 horses, two cows, two calves, nine chickens, four goats and one llama. “Our volunteers logged 355 combined hours to provide this service,” Hulett said. Providing evacuation space during wildfire season is not a new undertaking for the rodeo association. Hulett said the organization plans ahead for the possibility each year. “We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3), and we budget for fire season, unfortunately,” she said. The association has also been working to improve the facilities used to shelter animals.

Last year, it received a State of Washington grant to improve fencing at the rodeo grounds. Hulett said one pen was completed in time for this fire season, with additional perimeter fencing expected to begin in early fall. “Last year, we were awarded a grant from the State of Washington to improve fencing to ensure the animals in our care are safe,” Hulett said. “We were able to finish one pen this season, and some perimeter fencing will start in early Fall.” Hulett credited state Sen. Shelly Short and state Reps.

Andrew Engell and Hunter Abell with helping move the funding request through the Legislature. “It was a huge task, but thankfully we had the support of Senator Shelly Short and Representatives Andrew Engell and Hunter Abell, who saw the request through the legislative process,” Hulett said. “They know our commitment to this community and know the work we do.”

Community members also stepped in with donated supplies and other assistance during the week. “To everyone who jumped in and dropped off donations and let us use supplies, we appreciate you,” Hulett said. “I will get a list of everyone and send out proper thank-yous. All the animals were safe, and although a few of the owners lost their homes in the fire, they kept telling me how grateful they were to know their animals were safe while they navigated immeasurable losses.