California's huge Caldor fire resulted in thousands of evacuations from dozens of rural communities but many people were unable to take large animals and livestock with them. Two animal welfare groups in the area have been conducting animal rescues and welfare checks, and the ARRL Letter reports that members of the El Dorado County Amateur Radio Club have been providing the groups with communication support, especially in areas with little or no cellphone service.
Establishing a net control station in the group's Mobile ARES Communication Center, hams were dispatched with each animal rescue team in impacted areas. The groups are providing food, water and care to animals until their human families can return.
