Cathy Perfect
Kern Valley Sun

Southlake resident Nadia Lane, whose barn containing her fall supply of hay was destroyed by fire, has asked the Kern County Fire Department’s Arson Unit to investigate the Aug. 29 fire. The destroyed hay would have fed the 60 horses, donkeys and mules Lane and husband Joe currently own. At this point, the cause of the fire is undetermined, according to fire officials.

The fire broke out in the late afternoon; soon more than 40 firefighters working diligently to save the Lanes’ nearby barn, bunkhouse and grazing land that stretches out to the lake.

Joe and Nadia Lane’s hay barn was ravaged by fire Aug. 29.

The loss is estimated at $30,000, including a $5,000 truckload of hay that had just been purchased, several newly purchased panels, a woodspliter and a trash trailer.

The Lanes are the founders of High Sierra Wild Horse Sanctuary and Gentling Center, which ironically enough at its inception, had been instrumental in raising more $7,000 during the Sand Diego Witch Fires back in October 2007.  The funds were used solely for distribution to horseowners who had lost their hay and homes in the fire to be able to feed their horses, cows and livestock.

“This loss is devastating, especially since it is entirely out of pocket,” Lane said. “Any donations toward the purchase of a truckload of hay would be appreciated, and volunteers to help with clean up efforts are welcome as well.” Lane can be reached at: 760-401-0198 or via email at nadialane@msn.com.

The couple’s website, www.hswhs.org, illustrates what kind of work Joe and Nadia are doing to help horses and horseowners all over the country.    

Joe and Nadia Lane have been residents in Southlake since 2002.