Alpine Dog Ranch Fire

On Labor Day weekend, the Valley Fire started at a property next door to the MacKinnon's dog ranch in Alpine.  Before he knew what was happening, Thomas MacKinnon was fighting against time in a rapidly spreading fire, on his property, in his flip flops.   Within minutes, he had all 9 dogs who were enjoying camp at the ranch, in his van and tried to escape the fast approaching fire on the dirt road.   The fire and smoke engulfed the road, blocking the way out and engulfed the van and Thomas was forced to reverse the van all the way back down the winding road to safety.  They then waited in an open field protected by fire fighters and air drops until the fire passed over the exit route and it was safe to escape.  Meanwhile the fire which spread onto the ranch, burnt the front side of the property up to the house, but firefighters bravely stopped the fire at the front steps! 

The Valley Fire has since burned almost 18,000 acres and is still only 39% contained. Thomas realizes he was lucky to get away with his life and the lives of the dogs. Miraculously,  the main house and dog barn structures, waterfall and pool, and hiking trails,  survived.   However, the extent of the damage to the surrounding property is daunting for a small business owner. The fire retardant that was dropped on the property in order to save the structures is very difficult to clean. The fences, landscape, and sprinkler systems were scorched.   The loss of revenue, on top of the loss of business suffered since March, due to covid 19,  has put the ranch in a difficult financial position.   

The good news is that the fire created a natural barrier to future fires potentially endangering the ranch.  They are already back at the ranch, fixing, cleaning and working tirelessly to make the ranch safe for the pups to enjoy.  Until the site is cleaned up, the dog ranch cannot operate and board the dogs that are the source of the ranch's income and viability. And the ranch cannot offer the home away from home to its many loyal customers until everything is repaired. 

Give a day, pave the way! If you are able to help with supporting the ranch with a $45 (the daily rate) contribution, it will quickly add up and make a huge difference to help get the doggie ranch  back on its feet.  The Mackinnons have dedicated the last 15 years of their lives to  provide a haven in the mountains for the pups of San Diego.  They have always been there for all of their beloved doggie campers.  Now it is time for their supporters, to be there for them. 

Thanks, Larna Hartnack
(friend and customer)