Rusty Daisey Ranch owner evacuates 40 horses from Collier wildfire

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. (WINK)—Horse and stable owners raced against the clock to get their horses out of harm's way as wildfires threatened their properties.

The Rusty Daisey Ranch was one of multiple stables moving horses on Monday. Owner Michelle Bock said they've dealt with fires before, but this was the fastest they've had to move to get out of the way of flames.

"The sheriff's department said it's getting closer. It's getting closer. We need to you need to get out," Bock said.

With one way in and one way out, trailers loaded up Monday with one goal—get these horses out. The winds changed suddenly, forcing immediate action.

"All of a sudden, I think the winds changed, and it was, you got to go now. So I had three horses, three trailers, four trailers already out the barn, two trucks already hooked up that we kind of always have ready to go," Bock said.

By Monday afternoon, Bock's trailers were full. WINK News cameras watched them drive out of Benfield Road.

"There really wasn't time for a second trip. So we needed, we needed everybody to come in," Bock said.

Bock and homeowners had the chance to check on their properties Tuesday. The fire came close, but everything survived.

"The fire came right up to our pond and but the everything was, everything was safe, all the barns are in," Bock said.

In the midst of chaos, she remained calm. She said she has to be—for the horses.

"We have 40 horses," Bock said. "Horses can feel your energy, so you have to, and then people are freaking out, so you have to be cool and calm."

Bock's horses are in Golden Gate. She said even when the fire gets contained, it could take time to get the horses back because of the smoke and ash.