Animals stay safe during the Hayden Pass Fire

People who live in the small town of Coaldale were already good neighbors before this wildfire sparked.
But the tight-knit community became even closer when the aggressive Hayden Pass Fire first covered their homes in smoke and ash on Sunday.
“Coaldale people are the best and the people of this valley have been fantastic all the way through,” said Rus Hinman, one of the first homeowners evacuated.
“Thank you for everybody who came to the aid of us, we needed it”
Hinman is trying to stay positive, but he’s one of many who’s worried about their home.
“People here are the people we love,” Hinman said.
And that love isn’t just for people…

“If I can help give these animal owners peace of mind then I’m doing my job,” said Kurt Jones, of the Chaffee County Fairgrounds.
That’s where evacuees can take their large animals that need a safe place to stay.
“These goats all came in one trailer, we had moms and babies separated. It’s all very stressful for everyone involved,” said Jones.

Goats, donkeys and horses even evacuated campers took shelter there.
“They were pretty shook up. They could actually see flames chasing them out of the back country,” Jones said.

The hope now is that the animals and people will still have a home to return to when the fire is over.

“It’s our whole lives, but it’s just the stuff not the people, not the friends, not the animals – it’s just the stuff,” said Hinman.

The Chaffee County Fairgrounds is accepting any large animals, not dogs or cats. The address is 10165 Co Rd 120, Salida.