SUMMIT COUNTY — With a dangerous wildfire looming in the distance, what would ranchers in the Lower Blue River Valley do with their livestock?

To better answer this question, the Friends of the Lower Blue River will host a livestock emergency preparation meeting in Heeney. It's set for Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Lower Blue Community Center, also known as the Heeney Fire Station.

“Many property owners in the area have cattle, llamas and horses,” said Myrth McDonald, executive director of the Friends of the Lower Blue River.

McDonald hopes by hosting a meeting, locals and experts will pool their resources so livestock owners will be prepared for a wildfire emergency if it happens.

Sam Kirk, president of the Friends of the Lower Blue River, said he wants to address all the needs of ranchers in the area. Kirk, who lives on Pebble Creek Ranch with nine horses, said: “It's a definite concern among our friends and neighbors.” Kirk also noted having a wildfire in the area is likely — “It's not if, it's when.”

The meeting will cover numerous issues, such as “Do your halters have your names on them so you can find your animals after fire threat is over?” and “dealing with sick animals,” to name a few.

“The main goal is to introduce everyone to each other and create better communication so information can travel quickly,” McDonald said.

Kirk agreed. “We've got to get ready and figure out how we can help each other.”

Experts on wildfire behavior, emergency preparation and animal control will attend the meeting to share their ideas about emergency animal evacuation.

Kirk said he hopes to determine who has trailers, who has safe zones for animals and who can help load animals.

Everyone is welcome at the meeting, and no RSVP is required.

“You don't have to be a livestock owner,” McDonald added. “You can just be concerned and wanting to help.”

Caitlin Row can be reached at (970) 668-4633 or at crow@summitdaily.com.