Alan Pottinger, 47, shares a drink with a new friend
The CFA are overkoalafied
Written by Michael Jenkins
San Diego-The fire season begins as does Summer.
Escondido's Wild Animal Park, a place full of wonder.
Skies darkened, thunder rumbled & lightning struck.
Families were rushed out as the flames spread from
brush to brush. the fire raged upon the dry landscape.
As 500+ employees were urged to quickly evacuate,
Director Jonathan McKay, oversees the 1,800-acre
preserve. Mr. McKay handled the parks major concern.
Animal Safety. Temporary homes were found for the
wildlife. Allowed to return as soon as order is revitalized.
Emergency Response Teams operated expeditiously.
"Fires tend to break out & spread quick" says Victor Lee,
48. Victor Lee is the Incident Commander in charge.
"Several fires continue statewide & remain at large."
Victor stated "Our main focus is to keep the fire contained."
Fire crews from neighboring states were still on their way.
John Jacobs, 36, father of two, witnessed the fire start
firsthand. "I saw the lightning strike while riding the Africa
Tram." Jacobs says. "I told the driver & he radioed it in."
"The response was immediate, crews arrived as we left."
Jacobs & others were refunded at the Parks expense.
Due to a lack of manpower, ERTs welcomed volunteers
the Commonwealth Forestry Association leader Collin
Leer, 57, sent several groups to help in the evacuation.
Alan Pottinger (pictured above) issued a statement.
"The ERTs were able to push back the flames allowing us
to do our job, its admirable seeing how hard they fought."
Pottinger stated, Several exhibits still remained unaccounted
for. Excessive smoke inhalation left Pottinger sounding coarse.
"Our biggest concern was the newest Outback exhibit" McKay
stated. "Our tree-faring marsupials caused the most
complications. Instinct causes most to attack when they
sense danger." McKay concluded. "Its in their nature."
As fire crews continued to battle the oncoming flames,
Pottinger & company contained each area at a stunning pace.
"Our last objective was to keep the animals somewhere safe."
Pottinger stated, "Mr. McKay warned us to keep our distance
for our own safety. But I had no problem in fact, I had a koala
thank me." CFA members were shocked by what happened
next. A friendly visitor approached Pottinger & a CFA
associate was able to snap a picture of one of their new friends
"The lil' fella approached me & I shared a drink with the
nuisance. I guess I met all of his koalafications" Pottinger concluded.