Animal Disaster Team prepares for heavy fire season

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The temperatures are heating up and so are the dangers for wildfires.

Last September, fire tore through the Bass Lake area, forcing residents to evacuate at a moment's notice. This year, disaster groups are preparing for more.

"Due to the drought conditions we are predicting a highly volatile wildfire season. So we're trying to build volunteer capacity, so we have the resources necessary to help with displaced animals during crisis situations," said Naomi Flam, Central California Animal Disaster Team president.

Flam says the organization needs volunteers to help care for animals set up in temporary shelters. She says the animal response has been a life saver for some.

The Central California Animal Disaster Team and Red Cross have teamed up to help displaced residents and their pets. The groups will be hosting volunteer training Saturday at the Oakhurst Community Center. They say every volunteer can make an impact.

The Red Cross also wants to remind people to start putting together an emergency plan for the humans and four legged friends in your life. With a potentially busy fire season ahead, both organizations say every resource and volunteers will play an important role in helping communities cope.