The Adobe Flash Player is required to view this multimedia interactive. Get it here.

Extreme heat continues, affects fair animals

Mackenzie Paul, 13 months, enjoys the cool breeze from a fan Friday in the swine arena at the Clark County Fairgrounds.

Barbara J. Perenic/Staff Photo Mackenzie Paul, 13 months, enjoys the cool breeze from a fan Friday in the swine arena at the Clark County Fairgrounds.

ENLARGE PHOTO

Dayton gets boost from committee for UAV testing
11:48 p.m.
Patrol searches Springfield dealership for stolen cards
11:43 p.m.
Police headlines: Two accused of child endangering
11:41 p.m.
Ad calls Brown career politician
11:39 p.m.
Local Focus: Clark County for May 25
11:27 p.m.
> More headlines

By Andrea Chaffin, Staff Writer 9:14 PM Friday, July 22, 2011

For once, everyone can agree on something.

It’s hot outside.

Normally, July temperatures range at an 84-degree high and 54 degree low, averaging at 74 degrees, said Dick Groeber, of Springfield-based Dick’s Weather Service.

“We’re running about 20 to 25 degrees higher than that,” Groeber siad.

According to his records, Thursday’s temperature broke the record by one degree with a high of 98. Friday’s high of 96 missed the record by just two degrees, and a break into the 80s won’t come until Tuesday.

“It’s the hottest, most intense part of the year,” Groeber said. “Around the 4th of July and fair week.”

The Clark County EMA provided a portable cooling tent to the fair, located in the field north of the goat barn. Water jugs have also been placed in the youth building and near weigh-ins, said Patty House, 4-H Educator with the OSU Clark County Extension.

“We’re trying to push back weigh-ins as much as possible,” House said. “We do everything we can to minimize stress to humans and animals.”

As of Friday evening, two hogs and one chicken had died as a result of the heat, said fair veterinarian Dana King. There are about 800 hogs and a couple hundred chickens on the premises.

“Any is bad, but I was worried it could be worse.” King said.

Most of the animals were transported to the grounds Friday, and moving days are always the most dangerous, he added.

“The hogs are very prone to heat stress, and the kids have really worked hard to prevent it,” King explained. “To not lose any would be a miracle.”

Share this article