California enlists 200 unlikely firefighters to help battle growing wildfire risk

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200 goats help shave down vegetation to help prevent wildfires in California.

🔥 🐐 GOAT RESPONSE: An unlikely group of heroes is stepping up to help prevent wildfires in California as 200 goats were dispatched to shave down vegetation.

THE TAKEAWAY

• 200 goats help shave down vegetation that fuels wildfires in California.
• The goats help clear grass, weeds, and other vegetation.
• This strategy slows a fire's advance and reduces the energy it releases.

GLENDALE, Ariz. – An unlikely group of heroes is stepping up to help prevent wildfires in California as 200 goats were dispatched to shave down vegetation that fuels the fires.

On Wednesday, for the fifth straight year, members of the Glendale Fire Department used the goats to tackle large hills at the Oakmont Country Club in Glendale, California.

According to the Glendale Fire Department, this is the second deployment of the goat squadron this year to reduce wildfire fuel and risk at strategic locations in very high fire hazard zones.

"When wildfire sparks in Southern California, defensible space is our greatest asset," said Joshua Allen, Fire Chief at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

Goats run out of an 18-wheeler during Operation Goat Rope at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Sept. 15, 2026. 

This strategy slows a fire's advance and reduces the energy released, giving first responders critical time to suppress the flames.

The last time these goats were deployed into action was in April.

THESE BEETLES CAN SENSE WILDFIRES AND RACE TOWARD THE FLAMES WHILE TICKS FACE A DIFFERENT FATE

All the goats help clear grass, weeds, and other vegetation that could contribute to the spread of wildfires.

CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES DESTROY HOMES, INJURE TWO FIREFIGHTERS AS CREWS BATTLE CONTAINMENT PROGRESS

On top of this, goats are a valuable tool because they can easily navigate steep, challenging terrain while naturally reducing vegetation at low cost.