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Goats Unleashed to Battle Wildfire Risk Early
12 Feb
Summary
- Goats are grazing 20 acres of brush in Verdugo Park.
- Heavy rainfall accelerated vegetation growth this year.
- Updated maps show expanded high-risk wildfire zones.
The City of Glendale has launched its wildfire control measures ahead of schedule, with a herd of goats beginning to clear vegetation in Verdugo Park on Wednesday. These animals will graze across 20 acres of brush this week, including slopes near residential areas, as part of the Glendale Fire Department's Vegetation Management Program.
This early deployment was necessitated by substantial vegetation growth spurred by heavy rainfall. More goat herds are anticipated later in the summer to continuously reduce wildfire risks. California Grazing Company is collaborating with the fire department, utilizing goats for their ability to access difficult terrain where machinery might be impractical.
The Glendale City Council's adoption of updated CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps has expanded the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone to nearly 15,000 acres. This expansion, adding over 7,400 parcels to the high-risk designation, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive mitigation efforts like goat grazing, mechanized clearance, and resident collaboration.
