Goats Mow Down Bushfire Risks, Earn Praise from Rural Fire Service

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.

While the goats will not replace traditional hazard reduction burns entirely, the RFS sees them as a valuable "tool in the toolbox" that they would like to have as a permanent part of their bushfire safety strategy. The goats' impact is currently constrained by the limited number of goat vendors, but the service is hopeful they can expand the use of this eco-friendly solution.

In addition to their practical benefits, the goats have also been found to have a calming, mood-lifting effect on staff at hospitals, schools, and other worksites where they are used to clear undergrowth. As the state continues to grapple with the challenges of bushfire preparedness, these hardworking goats are proving to be a valuable asset in the fight against wildfires.