Owl Saved In Santiago Fire Still Not Ready To Take Wing

LAKE FOREST, CA — Smokey the Barn Owl, found burned over two years ago during the Silverado Fire, is still recovering at the Orange County Bird of Prey Center in Lake Forest.

"It's been a long road to recovery since then, and while there's still a way to go, there has been plenty of progress," a spokesperson for the center said over Twitter.

Orange County Fire Authority Firefighters first noticed the owl in distress in a burned-out area as they put out spot fires during the fast-moving Silverado fire on October 27, 2020. The wildfire was pushed by heavy Santa Ana winds ate over 13,390 acres of Orange County and forced evacuations of more than 90,000 residents. During a firefight, protecting people is the firefighters' primary concern, but lending aid to wildlife is always a factor.

"We shepherded it into this burned outfield and did a kind of flank and pincer maneuver," an Orange County Fire Authority Firefighter said at the time. "We were able to get it to stop in its tracks."

They called for animal control assistance and drove to a nearby fire station to meet them. The owl remained still and without any fight left. Animal control took the barn owl to the Serrano Animal and Bird Hospital to receive care for the next month until taking up residency at the bird of prey center until his wings repair themselves.

A GoFundMe account is still helping to offset his care.

According to OC Bird of Prey Center Executive Director Dr. Peggy Chase, "this is why we do what we do. Smokey the owl no doubt would have died and suffered a great deal had they not rescued him that day."

While he's not ready to return to the wild, his sponsors at the center will keep sharing his recovery journey.

According to the center, all are most grateful that he continues to recover. The center used Twitter to celebrate how far he's come, saying: "Thank you to all the firefighters, veterinary professionals, and volunteers who have saved (his) life and continue to help (him) get better!"

Earlier this evening one of our crews on a brush rig rescued a barn owl from the flames of the #SilveradoFire. He’s safe and sound and currently with animal control. pic.twitter.com/L7VycEx3qd

— OCFA PIO (@OCFireAuthority) October" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/OCFireAuth... 28, 2020

• Firefighters Rescue Baby Raccoon During Weekend Storm
• Firefighters Rescue Dog Amid Apple Fire
• OCFA Firefighters Prove No Call Is Too Small, Rescue Orphan Kittens
• OCFA Free "Curious" Husky Bam-Bam
• Oh, Deer! Dramatic 4-Legged Rescues During Harvey Flooding