Getting Their Goats: Four-legged Fire Fuel Suppressors

Close to a thousand goats are taking a bite out of the high fire danger by munching their way through tall weeds, grass and blackberry bushes in Marin County.

The goats are tasked with clearing 25 acres of Canalways property in San Rafael. According to Larry Luckham, San Rafael Fire Department Fire Commissioner, “The expectation is that it will take about 3 weeks to fully graze the 25 acres. There is a herder and dog on site 24 hours a day and the entire grazing area is surrounded by an electrified fence.”

In June, several fires were started on the property at illegal homeless encampments. The City of San Rafael and the property owner considered controlled burns and mowing to lessen the fire danger before settling on goats as a solution.

If you don’t happen to have a herd of goats at your disposal, the Marin County Fire Chiefs Association recommends a three pronged approach to protect your home and property:

1. Maintain a defensible space around your home
2. Harden your home to help the defensible space succeed
3. Have a family disaster plan that includes communication, escape and survival