With wildfires burning in our region, Union County is encouraging livestock owners to prepare now by making arrangements for their animals in case evacuation becomes necessary.
Whenever possible, livestock owners should develop a self-contained evacuation plan with family, friends, neighbors, or other available resources and identify alternate locations where animals can be safely sheltered. Public livestock sheltering facilities are intended as a resource when other options are not available.
However, if you need a safe location for your livestock and do not have an alternate location available, temporary shelter is available at the Union County Fairgrounds. Union County has established relationships with other local facilities in the event that alternate sites are needed.
To inquire about livestock sheltering at the Fairgrounds, please call 541-962-1600 or 541-962-1610. Please call before transporting animals so space can be coordinated and appropriate accommodations can be arranged.
To help accommodate as many animals as possible, livestock owners should plan to bring their own feed, hay, water buckets or containers, halters, leads, and any other equipment needed to safely care for and handle their animals whenever possible.
Now is the time to prepare. Have trailers ready, ensure animals can be readily identified, and make an evacuation plan before an emergency occurs.
We sincerely appreciate the ongoing partnerships with the Union County Fairgrounds and other local facilities within Union County to support our agricultural community during emergencies.
Please continue to monitor official evacuation notices and emergency updates. Preparing before an evacuation is ordered helps protect your family, your livestock, and emergency responders.
