Community works together to rescue 54 horses from Bulloch County wildfire

by Julianne Sheehan

BULLOCH COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Fire crews battling a Bulloch County wildfire have reached 90% containment on day six of the effort, officials said. The fire broke out Wednesday and has burned 389 acres. More than a dozen homes and structures were in the path of the fire, but no property damage has been reported.

Horses evacuated as fire flared Friday

As flames spread Friday due to weather conditions, staff at Trot Time Farms made the decision to evacuate 54 horses. When trainer Sydney Smith arrived at the farm, the road was already lined with trucks and trailers from neighbors and farmers who had come to help.

“We were just loading as quickly as we could. The flames were over the trees. We could kind of see the orange glow through the trees. We could see the smoke. It was super thick. You could already smell it so it was definitely a very quick decision. It was like, okay, we need to pack up and go, there’s no more waiting around,” Smith said.

Horses housed at county agricultural complex

All 54 horses were transported to the Bulloch County Agricultural Complex, where staff were already preparing stalls upon the farm’s arrival. Volunteers have continued to assist — cleaning stables, walking horses and checking in on the animals.

Farm owner Rick Bradham said the community response has been difficult to put into words.

“The famous words that everybody kept saying is what do you need? Everybody helped out,” Bradham said.

Smith said the community’s involvement made a significant difference during an already difficult situation.

“I think everybody that was involved cried a good bit that night when we got home, it was emotional,” Smith said.

Smith added that she was grateful for everyone who responded.

“I am so grateful, I am beyond grateful for everybody who came out to help. I couldn’t be more proud of our community, of our horsing community. I mean, it’s been phenomenal — so extremely grateful and humbled, very, very humbled,” Smith said.