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Keeping Livestock Safe and Healthy During Fires: Disaster Preparedness Program

Tracy Schohr

Summary

Catastrophic wildfires have become an escalating challenge for livestock producers in the western United States, threatening animal welfare, producer livelihoods, and human safety. This presentation will examine the Livestock Disaster Access Pass Program (Ag Pass), a county-based program in California. The session focuses on program development and coalition-building to support disaster preparedness efforts that ensure commercial livestock owners can safely care for animals during emergencies when normal access is restricted.

The Ag Pass program emerged out of necessity following devastating wildfire events, including the Camp Fire (2018), which destroyed more than 18,000 structures; the North Complex Fire (2020), which resulted in the loss of hundreds of head of cattle; and the Dixie Fire (2021), which burned nearly one million acres across Northern California. In response, UC Cooperative Extension partnered with county sheriffs, agricultural commissioners, and federal and state wildfire agencies to address access challenges faced by commercial livestock producers during evacuations.

A key element of the program is a standardized training curriculum, developed by UC Cooperative Extension in collaboration with the California State Fire Marshal, which prioritizes the safety of ranchers. The training and outreach framework emphasizes relationship-building, responder familiarity, and clear communication to support coordinated disaster response.

This presentation highlights lessons learned, measurable outcomes, and ongoing efforts to strengthen livestock disaster preparedness, demonstrating how the Ag Pass program improves emergency coordination while safeguarding both animal and human lives.

Details

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