The devastation caused by Southern California’s wildfires is truly staggering. Those of us who live and work here are faced with neighbors and loved ones losing their homes. Even if we’re not directly threatened by the flames, thousands of us are breathing in the noxious smoke the firestorms produce. I can’t help but think of the pets who are suffering as a result of this catastrophe, as well as the wildlife that will be displaced, if not killed, by the blazes. The Santiago fire in Orange County is directly in mountain lion territory.

Words cannot convey the shock, anger and disbelief I felt when I learned that the Santiago fire may have been caused by arson. To intentionally cause this much mayhem — loss of human and animal life, long-term health problems from smoke inhalation, destruction of the homes of people, pets and wildlife — is unthinkable and despicable.

Then I think about the firefighters’ selfless dedication to brave the worst conditions, people’s courage to make split-second decisions about evacuating, churches and schools setting up shelters and relief centers and VCA Animal Hospitals’ offer of free boarding for evacuated pets. Heroic acts like these keep me going in times like this. And I’m reminded of how critical it is to have an emergency kit ready and an evacuation plan in place to keep our families and pets safe during an emergency.