FIREFIGHTING GOATS COMING TO ARCADIA

This week we received word that the California Fire Foundation (CFF) has approved a $12,000 grant for the Arcadia Fire Department to utilize goats to remove underbrush materials from the hillsides above Arcadia. Those grasses and other ground materials act as the kindling for the larger shrubs and trees in wildfire situations. Goats have been used

to clear fire fuels for many years because they can get into steeper areas than humans and they are incredibly efficient and aggressive eaters. The goats will generally be working in the same areas where we had the California Conservation Corps clearing brush along the roadways in recent years. Specifically, they will be addressing the hills above these areas, creating a larger fire buffer for the nearby homes. This is another example of the ongoing efforts we have to address fire safety in the community. Kudos to the Fire staff that worked on obtaining this creative grant!