Home / Environment / Goats Mow Down Bushfire Risks, Earn Praise from Rural Fire Service
Goats Mow Down Bushfire Risks, Earn Praise from Rural Fire Service
25 Oct
Summary
- Goats are effective weed clearers, meadow mowers, and bush bashers
- Goat herds used for bushfire mitigation in New South Wales
- Goats can clear dense vegetation in hard-to-reach areas
As of October 2025, goats have emerged as an eco-friendly solution for bushfire mitigation in New South Wales. The state's Rural Fire Service has been testing the effectiveness of using goat herds to clear dense vegetation and reduce fuel loads in hard-to-reach areas.
The trial, which began in 2021, has yielded positive results so far. A herd of 120 goats recently completed a three-week stint clearing thick grass and scrub, with the RFS preparedness lead Kim Smith stating they "honestly haven't had any negative results" and that the strategy "can really be effective."
Unlike traditional methods like machinery, trucks, and burning, the goats can work well in wet weather and can be sent to regraze areas as many times as needed. They are particularly adept at tackling rocky terrain that would normally require aircraft and remote firefighting teams.
