What to do with your horses if a bushfire starts in western Victoria

When a fire is already burning, it’s often too late to decide what to do with horses.

Agriculture Victoria Veterinary Officer Dr Lee Manning says having a clear fire plan will help horse owners determine their priorities, especially if it includes floating horses to a safer location before high-risk days. 

Staying on site: Ahead of summer or periods of high fire risk, owners should have a “safer area for horses” prepared on their property. This area should be as large as possible with minimal grass or vegetation length, secure fencing and access to a dam or water source not reliant on electric pumps.

• “Internal gates can be opened for more space but horses need to be taught they can move through freely so they can escape even when highly stressed,” Manning said. “On high fire danger days move horses to your safer area and take all gear off them, so they are free to move if you aren’t home during an emergency.”

• Rugs can get tangled, halters can get hot and burn and fly veils can melt, so removing all gear can give your horse the best chance of survival.

Travelling elsewhere: If you plan to leave your property early with your horses on a day of high fire danger, allow for extra time to load your horse into its float and for extra travel time with towing weight.

Agriculture Victoria recommends leaving in the morning, before a fire event unfolds, and to arrange where you could go well in advance. Do not assume your local Pony Club or showgrounds will be open or in a safe area.

You can check the VicEmergency app, tune into your local radio station for emergency updates or keep up to date with the Country Fire Authority Facebook page.

When it’s too late: Manning said it is not realistic to evacuate horses with little notice, so having contingency plans, such as a safe area,that all members of the house know and have practiced, is important.

• “Horses’ ‘flight’ instincts will be to run away from the danger of fire, and if cornered, their ‘fight’ instinct will have them gallop through flames if necessary,” she said. “Unfortunately, this ‘fight’ instinct will also have them gallop through you if you try to be with them, so please leave them free to run and survive alone.” 

In the aftermath: After a fire, check all horses for burns, smoke inhalation, eye irritation and leg injuries. 

• First aid for equine burns is very similar to people - hose them with clean, cool water for at least ten minutes and call a veterinarian immediately for advice. 

As always, consult your local Country Fire Authority for local fire behaviour and weather patterns and develop a household fire plan with trigger points for actioning it. Include any animals in your plan.