SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Eight different wildfires in California from August through September forced the evacuation of horses throughout the state. The biggest one, called the Station fire in Los Angeles County, has consumed more than 160,000 acres. Many Southern California horses took shelter at major evacuation sites, such as Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank, Antelope Valley Fairgrounds in Lancaster, and Los Angeles Pierce College in Woodland Hills.

By the beginning of September, about 90 horses found safe haven at Los Angeles Pierce College’s Equestrian Center, which has accommodations for up to 200. Most of the horses came from the evacuated areas of Tujunga and Acton.

Large animals including a cow, boar, four lamas and two sheep have also taken shelter at Pierce College, but remaining space is reserved for horses. “We will keep going and accepting animals until they (the County) say to stop,” said Megan Silveira, a Los Angeles County animal rescue coordinator.

For anyone needing to evacuate horses to Los Angeles Pierce College, its emergency center guidelines include: No stallions; Bring horse, owner name and phone number; Bring a water tub and medicines for your animal; Bring feed if you can. Los Angeles Pierce College is located at 6201 Winnetka Ave. in Woodland Hills; phone: (818) 719-6401; Web site: www.piercecollege.edu

For information about animal evacuations, the Los Angeles County contact is Mary Lukens at the Angora Station. Her office can be reached at (818) 706-5883.

Evacuated dogs, cats and small animals are being housed for emergency animal sheltering at six Los Angeles County animal shelters and other local humane societies. For Los Angeles County small-animal shelter locations, visit the Web site: http://animalcare.lacounty.gov/locationbycity.asp