{"id":6586,"date":"2017-11-09T18:26:26","date_gmt":"2017-11-09T23:26:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/safariwest.wpengine.com\/?p=6586"},"modified":"2024-03-15T11:44:26","modified_gmt":"2024-03-15T16:44:26","slug":"life-after-fires","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/safariwest.com\/2017\/11\/life-after-fires\/","title":{"rendered":"Life After the Fires"},"content":{"rendered":"

Disaster Strikes<\/h4>\n

For nearly a month, the Tubbs fire raged throughout Sonoma County.\u00a0It destroyed homes and businesses indiscriminately, and tragically, cost far too many lives. Here at Safari West, many of our own lost homes,\u00a0including our founders, Peter and Nancy Lang. We had\u00a0to evacuate, and indeed to close down entirely, at least for a while.<\/p>\n

As you are probably aware, Peter Lang stayed behind after the evacuation\u00a0and defended the property with a collection of garden hoses. Within a day or two\u2014and with the cooperation of emergency services\u2014he was joined by a contingent of Safari West staffers who helped\u00a0defend the preserve. In an amazing display\u00a0of foresight, the Langs purchased an old fire engine a year ago, and once we had a crew to man it, it went to work. Over the next several days, trained staff members put their heads down and went to work battling spot fires and tending to the curious, but otherwise largely nonplussed animals.<\/p>\n

The Rumor Mill<\/h4>\n

Rumors abounded in those early days. Some claimed that we had cut fences and released the animals. Others that we were out of food and water and nearing death. Luckily, things were never that dramatic. No fences were cut and no animals needed to be set free. We managed to move\u00a0a few of the more docile and easily handled species during the initial evacuation, but that was the extent. Everybody else sheltered on property.<\/p>\n

Surviving the Fire Storm<\/h4>\n

We were lucky in several ways with this fire. Our position, situated in a low valley meant that most of the embers being carried by the high winds went right over us. \u00a0Those that did land on our property generally landed in places that have been grazed by our many African herbivores. The diminished fuel load meant that most of these embers fizzled and went out, rather than leading to new spot fires. Our focus on identifying and proactively removing dead trees further reduced the available fuel.<\/p>\n

This is not to say we got off unscathed. Fires did catch here and there\u00a0on property. The osteology lab operated by the Safari West Research, Education, and Conservation Department burned completely. As did the Nairobi and the African Queen; vehicles used to conduct school field trips. Our paratransit vehicle for ADA-compliant safari excursions was also caught in the blaze.<\/p>\n

Rising from the Ashes<\/h4>\n

In that first chaotic week, when it was still uncertain what the future might bring, we went to work on repairs hoping for the best.\u00a0 A\u00a0literal army of Safari West employees\u00a0tried to get up the hill and onto the preserve. Road closures, downed lines, and the still active fire meant we had to turn back\u00a0all but a few. Those up the hill went to work with the damage and the animals. The rest of us went to work\u00a0tracking down missing team-members and organizing aid for those\u00a0who’d lost homes.<\/p>\n

It’s been slightly over one month, and if all goes to plan, we’ll reopen our gates before the passage of the second. We’re ready to load up the trucks and get back out there on safari.\u00a0The Savannah Caf\u00e9 will have a slower reopening but\u00a0we hope to see some activity through the holiday season. The tent camp, though it won’t reopen until 2018, is enjoying a\u00a0top-to-bottom deep cleaning and refurbishment. We’re coming back and we’re coming back strong.<\/p>\n

Safari West Stands Tall<\/h4>\n

Unless some new calamity prevents it, we’ll resume safari tours<\/a> through the scorched but still verdant Sonoma Serengeti on November 20th. To celebrate the sense of community and caring that blossomed out of this disaster, we’ll hold Thanksgiving festivities<\/a> on November 23rd. And on December 2nd, we’ll host our grand reopening celebration<\/a>! This event benefits the Safari West Wildlife Foundation and recognizes the many organizations who’ve made\u00a0our community great.<\/p>\n

Please visit and join us for any or all of these events and celebrate\u00a0everything that makes us #SonomaStrong<\/em>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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