This year’s historic wildfire season has so brought 4,241 wildfires across Canada, which have so far scorched more than 27.1 million acres. And it’s only August.

And all the blazes aren’t originating in Canada, either. An out-of-control wildfire that crossed over the US-Canada border into Osoyoos, BC, last weekend forced over 700 residents to evacuate. The town is 400 km east of Vancouver and has a population of approximately 5,500. Among those told to flee their property were Dave McGlynn and Sherry Zarowny who operate Sun Hill Riding Centre –a pretty daunting procedure, as the farm houses 30 horses.

Trucks and horse trailers.

Trucks loaded and trailers ready to haul horses away. (Dave McGlynn photo)

“The first priority was to get the horses on the trailer and it was pitch black, and they’re suspicious animals anyway. And a couple of our guys, they are a little difficult to load,” McGlynn told CBC Radio. He also explained that one of their horses has moon blindness and had to be coaxed onto the trailer with their voices.