Springdale Rodeo Grounds Shelter Animals During Wildfires

When smoke fills the air, the volunteers of the Springdale Frontier Days Rodeo Association move into action. Since 2015, when the Carpenter Road Fire burned through southern Stevens County, the Springdale rodeo grounds have served as a haven for evacuees to relocate their animals during serious fires. If a fire burns anywhere within 50 miles of Springdale, the association opens its gates for those in need. Volunteers said the grounds have facilities to house large animals such as livestock, and their parking lot is open for people to stay with their dogs and cats in their cars, campers, and RVs.

The rodeo grounds cannot shelter cats and dogs separately because they do not have indoor facilities, according to volunteers. The rodeo grounds once again served as a refuge on Aug. 1. Fires in north Spokane, west Stevens County, and east Ferry County have created an influx of people looking to shelter. “We work with the Washington Department of Commerce to provide evacuees space,” Springdale Frontier Days Rodeo Association Treasurer and board member Elissa Wellhausen said. “Yesterday [Aug. 1], we had a steady stream of people coming in until 10:30 at night.”

She added that the local grange and food bank have also stepped up, offering breakfast and dinner since dining options are somewhat limited in Springdale. The Springdale Frontier Days Rodeo Association board is comprised of five people, while total association members number about 20, although Wellhausen admitted with a laugh “some of those are just family members.”

While small in numbers, their efforts are great. Members are camping on-site while others come by during the day. Members help check in animals and make sure they are fed and watered. “These animals have been in the path of wildfires, so they have been in the smoke; their health can be compromised,” Wellhausen said. “Some have never left their property, so this can be stressful for them. Evacuations can happen in the dark, which animals like horses don’t like.”

Wellhausen noted that livestock owners typically evacuate sooner than other residents because the process takes longer to load them up and find a spot to take them. “It’s also easier for them to be moved when the evacuation level is lower because the panic level is less,” Wellhausen said. “The owners are calmer. You don’t want to be moving animals with flames in the background.” She said animals will be monitored for coughing and oth- er health concerns and have a vet on-call in case one needs to be checked out.

The rodeo grounds also provide on-site feed for livestock, and volunteers have brought hay and feed, while some donors have also contributed to the rodeo grounds’ stores. “As a livestock owner, I know you feel responsible for these animals,” Wellhausen said. “They’re not like cats and dogs be- cause they don’t integrate into your life as easily. You can’t check into a hotel with your livestock. Owners want to pro- vide a safe space, and you can’t provide that when evacuated. We want to make sure they are taken care of.” Wellhausen recounted that one of the first people to arrive on Aug. 1 was new to the area and had no idea where to bring their animals, adding that relief was palpable once livestock had a spot to stay.

“We will also try to provide text updates to owners about how their animals are doing,” Wellhausen said. She said that people can call ahead to bring in animals to the on-site person at 509-953-0115 or to board members at 509-590-7886 or 509-710-1631. While they typically ask people to call ahead, there are also on-site people to help if they pull into the grounds. “We’re happy to give back to the community year after year; they have shown us support,” Wellhausen said.