DIXON, CA (MPG) - Animals weren't the only ones who found a respite from the LNU Complex Fire at the Mayfair grounds. Residents who fled in RVs and trailers also shared the space, and typical of Dixonites, there was plenty of help for them and their animals. The Mayfair opened as an official rescue shelter this past week during the evacuations but now has closed.

"We were left with some chickens and two goats but they are now at Solano County Fairgrounds in Vallejo," said Mayfair Exhibits Coordinator Sandy Bonesteel.

"There were 97 animals and the uniqueness of this rescue was that most of the owners stayed with their animals so when they left, the animals left," said Patricia Conklin, Chief Executive Officer of the 36th District Agricultural Association, the organization that produces the Dixon May Fair.

"What people need to know is that all 18 of the state fair evacuation centers are coordinated through the Office of Emergency Services so there is paperwork and protocols but that's so we can get resources including animal control officers and vets," Conklin said. There are trainings and conferences regularly, so they can be prepared and knowledgeable.

"That is so we can be the smoothest and safest operation that we can be," she said. They could not have done as well--especially overnight--without the help of a group that comes from the Sheriff's Department and one volunteer extraordinaire, Paige Gill. "We can't say enough about Paige!" Conklin said.

"Every time we serve, we learn something new and we are committed to the health and safety of the animals. It would be great to have a core group of people we could call." Interested in assisting in the next evacuation? Call her so training can be provided. The phone is (707) 678-5529.