While residents raced to their own safety during the devastating Florida wildfires, one group of dedicated volunteers braved smoke and confusion to save pets and farm animals that many had to leave behind in the melee of evacuations.
Volunteers lead the group.
Donating their free time, the workers come from humane societies, veterinarian hospitals, the mounted sheriff s posse, and the Cooperative Extension Service, a branch of the University of Florida that conducts research and provides information to residents on everything from farming to wildlife. Located south of St. Augustine and north of Daytona, this unremarkable community became the focus of national attention. This is where emergency workers and volunteers wrought life-saving efforts against the fires. Activated since June 6 for the Seminole Woods fires, the group opened up an animal and pet shelter at the Bunnell Fairgrounds. We did get some fans, Terry-Wolfe said, but we really needed air conditioning.