Fire!

[kareninthesun]

Don't know where yet, I'm home, went upstairs to separate laundry and smelled smoke. Looked outside, and it is thick. Was outside like an hour ago and no smoke. Looked off the balcony, and can't pinpoint it. My neighbors are checking with the fire department to get info. Had to close windows, worried about the chickens, they instinctively are huddling under the shady plants. Have the mister hooked up and close to the plants to help capture/filter the smoke. Have my emergency kits packed and by the door. NOTHING on the news yet. Packed up the rest of the animals food just in case we have to leave fast, but not sure WHAT to do with the chickens. Think I'll call the church and see if needed and safe we can use that as a safe place for people and animals to go. They have a lot of property. I am on a very large lot of land, but it is on a cul de sac, and only one way in/out. If it isn't close, I have a plan readied, including sheets to hang and soak with water all around the coop.

Question: last time we had bad fires close by, the ash killed a lot of plants. I wouldn't let my dogs out until I swept the ashes from the sidewalk and wouldn't let them walk on the grass. I'd walk out and quickly sweep, they'd hury out and do their business, and I still had to wipe their legs/feet/body down when they came inside. What can I do to help protect the chickens? What should I be aware of?

All vehicles gased. Plenty of water in each. PHONE CHARGERS in all cars. Have copies of medical info, and all important papers copied onto memory sticks. I plan like I pack. Probably overkill.

 

[BrattishTaz]

It sounds like you have a good plan in place. I'm not sure about the clean up. Let's just hope it turns out to not be a threat to you. Stay safe.

 

[turney31]

I hope all is well.

 

[kareninthesun]

thank you. it was a 600 acre fire in tecote. the wind was blowing north. oddly, my son was at college and the college sets on a hill closer to the border than our house. said it looked weird, seriously thick smoke that eased slowly at the foot of the hill and quickly pushed to most of the southbay areas of san diego. we were the first recipients. since we are close to the shore, dont need air conditioning. downside was the over 80 degrees meant closing and then capturing the smoke in the house. put the amazon parrot and cockatiel in the downstairs bathroom and every once in a while turned the hot water on the shower long enouh to fog everything down. no contacts on for me still. gave everyone including benadryl and vaccumed washed floors dusting still. my question still remains: at what point is the ash caustic to chickens? is it better to water the yard and clean out the coop afterwards or wait for it to disapate into.the ground?

 

[Mattemma]

Glad to read you are ok.