It is eerily quiet in Westwood. Most residents left town on August 5th, when the Mandatory Evacuation Order was issued by Sheriff Dean Growdon, and now Lassen County’s favorite little mountain community is even quieter than usual. Watching over the town are a host of law enforcement and fire crews who are taking care of the community while evacuees are away from their homes.
During the closure the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office is maintaining a minimum of five two-man patrol units in the Westwood, Pine Town and Clear Creek areas.
The deputies, tasked with security in these evacuated areas, are making sure that animals throughout Westwood are being properly cared for, visiting a list of residences and even stopping to feed animals in the street when they find them.
“The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office would like to assure the public we are caring for animals in evacuated areas,” explains Sergeant Dustin Russell. “Our dispatchers have taken information from homeowners who have called in with requests for animal care. They have compiled a list of addresses and instructions on feeding animals in the Westwood, Pine Town and Clear Creek areas.”
“We are dedicated to the protection of our residents, their property, and their animals.”
If you have been evacuated and you have animals still within the evacuated areas you can ask that the LCSO check up and feed them by calling Dispatch at (530) 257-6121.
“If any animals are indoors, keys can be dropped off at the Sheriff’s Office for access. If any animals require special care, please notify us and we will be glad to help.”
Russell thanked the local Cowboy 911 organization who delivered a truckload containing a variety of animal food to deputies in Westwood.
“Cowboy 911 was able to provide the animal food from donations they received. Thanks to their generosity, the Sheriff’s Office is well supplied. We will continue to keep animals fed and watered until we are able to welcome our people back home.”
