Confused and terrified horses were scrambling while an evacuation was underway from the wildfires near Simi Valley, California.
News footage of handlers trying to evacuate their horses and their trailers to the Ventura County Fairgrounds early Wednesday morning revealed the chaotic scene.
As the wildfire raged on near the Ronald Reagan Library, around six disoriented thoroughbreds without handlers were found near a closed road.
The animals were trying to figure out which direction to flee through the thick smoke.
However, one thoroughbred ran towards the flames to save its family, including a colt.
The emotional moment was caught on video.
There were conflicting emotions as the catastrophic fires prompted outrage and resentment.
However, people couldn't help but be moved watching the video of this brave horse.
Animals deserve more credit.
During a time of crisis, nothing comes between family.
It appears all the horses were led to safety.
Handlers returned with trailers to rescue more horses after unloading theirs off at the fairgrounds.
Peggy Lane of Reseda, described the scene:
"Just get the ones we can get and get out."
"It's super bad in there. I've never seen it like this."
According to
USA Today, Ventura County Animal Services officials declared the livestock area full by 2 p.m., with more than 112 horses filling the area.
Additional horses were taken to the Humane Society of Ventura County in Ojai.
Billed as "The Easy Fire," the vegetation fire erupted around the 200 block of West Los Angeles Avenue, prompting evacuation and schools to close as it spread to approximately 1,648 acres.
Ventura County Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen told ABC 7 that residents should remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice.
By 6 p.m. Wednesday evening, he said:
"We still are not through this. We have another 24 hours of significant weather conditions and a lot of threat. Please stay aware, stay tuned and always be ready with a plan."
Horses have always been popular in films. The true story of a race horse named Seabiscuit is available here. The Elizabeth Taylor film National Velvet joins the movies The Story of Seabiscuit with Shirley Temple and Black Beauty in a triple feature, available here.
