Collier County horse owners reunite with animals after wildfire evacuation

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. (WINK)—Horses and their owners are returning home as evacuation orders are lifted following the Picayune Strand fire.

Trucks and trailers have been pulling in steadily throughout the day, with horses stepping out and owners seeing them back home for the first time since Monday. It's been a great sense of relief for the equestrian community.

When the fire broke out Monday, horse owners like Bianca Ingui and Bob Dagett had to act fast. Trailers lined up as people rushed in, working together to get every horse out safely.

"It was all really scary, but the trainers got here fast… and we're really grateful for all the firemen and everyone that helped get all the horses out," Ingui said.

"Smoke was billowing… you could see the flames several hundred feet in the air… it was surreal," Dagett said.

Ingui described the chaotic scene as owners evacuated their animals.

"It was super loud and chaotic… but once they settled into the other barns… they were good," she said.

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At Triple B Ranch and Benchmark, folks are finally starting to bring their horses back. The gate right behind the stables is where they saw the flames and fire approaching on Monday, leaving destruction in its wake.

Burned fencing, patches of charred dirt and trails now too damaged and hot for horses to walk on remain. Amanda Dixon reflected on what was lost.

"It's devastating… I have a lot of memories out there riding with friends," Dixon said.

Despite the damage, owners are grateful to be reunited with their horses.

"It was just good to be able to come back… and make sure everyone was okay," Ingui said.

In the midst of it all, the community showed up for each other. Dixon praised the support among horse owners.

"Everyone here is so supporting… people will come help if you need it," she said.

While many horses are back, some owners are still waiting as the fire is not fully contained. The smoke is still in the air, impacting the horses.