Two South Bay animal control officers have just returned from the fire zone.

They shared some of their stories and pictures with KRON4 on Monday.

Santa Clara County Animal Control Officers Jessica Ibanez and Jeremy Selbach just returned from Butte County where they helped care for animals displaced by the Camp Fire.

They knew just what to do.

“I offered hugs and everybody really appreciated that,” Ibanez said.

“Everybody is up there trying to help,” Selbach added. “I saw a lot of hardworking people. My part was taking in animals from an evacuation team or from an owner and trying to care for them.”

Selbach and Ibanez spent six days in a makeshift shelter at the airport in Chico where some 800 displaced pets and other animals are being housed. Some were hurt in the fire, others are still in shock and all are tired and hungry and in need of some love.

“Seeing the reaction from the dog and its owner after being separated for several days brought tears,” Selbach said.

“Seeing people come in looking for their animals and helping to reunite them was really rewarding,” Ibanez said.

The two officers drew from their long experience at the county shelter in San Martin. In Chico, they rolled up their sleeves to walk, feed, and comfort these other fire victims, and in some cases, were able to find their owners.

“It was so gratifying to be in the presence of other people who love animals and want to help,” Selbach said. “That’s what we do.”

The need is great that Selbach says displaced animals arrive at the shelter every day.

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