The GOATs of Fire Prevention Reporting for Duty

As part of its ongoing wildfire prevention efforts, the Arcadia Fire Department deployed goats and sheep to graze on dry brush and vegetation that can serve as fire fuel in the hillsides.

In mid-July, a herd of 400 goats and sheep began grazing through overgrown brush and dry vegetation in the hillsides within Wilderness Park, gradually making their way west toward Santa Anita Canyon Road. In total, the animals will consume approximately 21 acres of dense vegetation known to serve as fuel in wildfire conditions. This approach has been shown to be an efficient tool for fire fuel reduction. Working in tandem, the goats and sheep will navigate steep, hard-to-reach terrain where people and equipment often face challenges.

Just over six months since the Eaton Fire, much of Arcadia’s hillsides remain dry and bare. With vegetation burned away, the soil has hardened and crystallized, which increases the risk of runoff and debris flow during heavy rain. As the goats and sheep pass through, their hooves will naturally break up compacted soil, helping water penetrate the ground and reducing the potential for erosion and flooding in nearby residential areas. The animals will graze during the day and each evening return to their resting area, accompanied by their handlers, a herding dog, and a guard dog.

With fire season now a year-round concern in California, fire prevention remains a top priority for the City of Arcadia. In recent months, City staff have engaged residents through community meetings focused on wildfire mitigation, including updates to CAL FIRE’s High Fire Severity Zone maps and firescaping workshops in partnership with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments. The grazing project is an innovative approach to help protect Arcadia neighborhoods. To assist with the initiative, the Arcadia Fire Department secured a $12,000 grant from the California Fire Foundation to help fund this unique fire prevention effort.

While the goats are doing their part to reduce brush and fire fuel, residents are encouraged to stay prepared by signing up for Alert Arcadia, the City’s emergency notification system. To register or update your contact information, visit www.ArcadiaCA.gov/Alert.