Synonymous with summer in Southern California is the unfortunate start of fire season. Fueled by prolonged drought, diminished snowpack and higher average temperatures, studies predict the number of wild fires and length of the wild fire season will increase across Southern California.

In an effort to help manage animal evacuations during such emergencies, The Gentle Barn is working in cooperation with local Sheriff, Fire and Animal Control agencies to provide assistance with handling large animals and delivering them to safety.

The initial rollout and announcement of the animal rescue service took place Saturday at the KHTS Emergency Expo in Valencia, where The Gentle Barn displayed its new mobile emergency command center and rescue trailer.

Services provided by The Gentle Barn include:

* Emergency Animal Evacuation

* Rescue Transport

* Free limited temporary board, feed, and water

* Access to network of volunteers with or without trailers

* Coordinated communication and timely information

Owners of large animals living within Los Angeles Country are encouraged to register with the program.

“With the number of wild fires increasing every year and climate conditions lending to a longer fire season,” explains Jay Weiner, Co-Founder of The Gentle Barn, “We wanted those in the community with large animals and pets to feel assured that The Gentle Barn will be in charge of managing their safe evacuation.”

Please stop by The Gentle Barn exhibit on Saturday and learn more about the program from Ellie and Jay.  Children who come to the Expo will be able to meet Magic the Horse, take a tour of the command center, and receive a special Gentle Barn gift.

In case of an emergency, call (661) 252-2440 or for more information, visit http://www.gentlebarn.org/animals/rescue-services.

If interested in speaking with Jay Weiner, Co-Founder of The Gentle Barn, please contact Kevin Oaks at (805) 963-1751.

About The Gentle Barn

The Gentle Barn is a nonprofit organization located on Sierra Highway in Saugus that was founded in 1999 as a safe haven and place of recovery for abused farm animals. The Gentle Barn’s unique philosophy rehabilitates animals and connects their stories of survival and healing to the personal experiences of inner city, at-­risk and special needs children who have suffered physical, mental or emotional trauma. By interacting with The Gentle Barn’s one hundred and seventy-five animals and taking a hands­-on role in their welfare, those who participate in the programs at The Gentle Barn learn empathy, trust, forgiveness and leadership. The mission statement at The Gentle Barn is simple: “Teaching people kindness and compassion to animals, each other and our planet.” The Gentle Barn is run by founder Ellie Laks and her husband/co­-founder Jay Weiner, both of whom were healed and supported by animals as children. The Gentle Barn is open to the public on Sundays from 10:00am until 2:00pm.  Celebrity supporters of the organization include Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi, Rondi Reed, Mark Wahlberg, Channing Tatum, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, Hilary Swank, Rose McGowan, Tiffani Thiessen, Sierra McCormick and Laura Vandervoort to name a few.  More information is available at www.gentlebarn.org.