Goats utilized for wildfire prevention in California and British Columbia

Municipalities and educational institutions in the United States and Canada are utilizing goats as a nature-based method to manage vegetation and mitigate wildfire risks.

In Whittier, California, Rio Hondo College has implemented a grazing program through the company Fire Grazers. The goats target grass, weeds, and other vegetation on the hillside campus to reduce fuel for potential wildfires. The college recently hosted a community meet-and-greet to demonstrate these proactive fire prevention efforts.

In Langford, British Columbia, the Langford Fire Department is using a herd of 13 goats from Vancouver Island Goatscaping as part of its ‘Goats in the City’ campaign. The initiative aims to clear invasive species and brush near busy public spaces, such as Starlight Stadium, while simultaneously raising public awareness about wildfire mitigation and the importance of clearing combustibles around residential properties.