Double Seven Ranch near Cache Creek, British Columbia, has taken in nearly 30 horses [1] after wildfires forced local families to evacuate.

The move highlights the critical need for livestock sanctuary during natural disasters, as owners often struggle to find secure locations for large animals during emergency exits.

Jessica Heikes, the manager of Double Seven Ranch, said the facility opened its doors to provide immediate shelter for the animals. The decision came as fires in the region intensified, pushing residents to leave their properties quickly to ensure safety.

"Opening the ranch to evacuees and their animals was never a question," Heikes said.

The ranch provides a safe haven for the nearly 30 horses [2] while their owners remain displaced. Managing large numbers of livestock during a crisis requires significant resources and coordination, especially when the animals are coming from different environments and levels of stress.

Families who were forced to flee their homes expressed relief at finding a facility capable of housing their animals. The situation in British Columbia has seen repeated challenges with wildfires, often necessitating community-led efforts to protect agriculture, and livestock.

Heikes and her team continue to manage the animals at the Cache Creek location. The ranch remains a focal point for the community as they wait for official word on when it is safe for displaced families and their livestock to return home.

“"Opening the ranch to evacuees and their animals was never a question."”

The reliance on private ranches for emergency livestock sheltering underscores a gap in formal disaster management infrastructure for agricultural communities. As wildfires become more frequent in British Columbia, the role of community-led sanctuaries becomes a vital component of regional resilience and animal welfare.