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Furry Firefighters: Goats Munch Away Flammable Brush
22 Aug
Summary
- Goats are being used to clear flammable underbrush in Langford.
- This pilot program aims to reduce wildfire risks and raise fire safety awareness.
- A public event is scheduled to showcase the goats' work and provide fire safety education.
A pilot program in Langford is utilizing a herd of 13 goats as an innovative tool for wildfire mitigation. The goats are actively clearing dense, flammable underbrush, such as blackberry bushes and brambles, in areas where machinery or chemicals might be unsuitable. This initiative, led by Vancouver Island Goatscaping, aims to reduce wildfire risks by pruning hazardous vegetation and simultaneously raising public awareness about fire safety. The city is supporting this effort by hosting a free public event to observe the goats at work and receive FireSmart education. This approach is seen as a cost-effective method that also draws attention to individual efforts in wildfire prevention. Langford's fire chief views this as a valuable addition to the community's wildfire preparedness strategy, especially given the region's high risk due to surrounding forests.
