California Marines deploy goats in first of its kind wildfire program

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar has deployed a remarkably unconventional fire crew, with 471 goats being turned loose across 600 acres to munch through the dry brush and vegetation that can fuel wildfires.The all-female herd was transported from California’s Central Valley for Operation Goat Rope, a pilot program described as the first of its kind on a US military installation.Their mission is to graze on dense chaparral, invasive weeds and other “flashy” fire fuels while helping create strategic fuel breaks across the base.The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.

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Never miss a story “When wildfire sparks in Southern California, defensible space is our greatest asset,” said Joshua Allen, MCAS Miramar fire chief.“The strategic fuel breaks created by this targeted grazing program slow a fire’s advance and lowers the energy released.”The herd consists of Spanish-Boer crossbreeds, which are described as resilient and agile on rugged slopes and adapted to the hot, arid Southern California climate.The goats have also been specially trained for targeted grazing, so this is less of a leisurely afternoon at the pasture and more of an assignment with a very specific menu.California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedInCalifornia Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, XCalifornia Post Opinion California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!California Post App: Download here!Home delivery: Sign up here!Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!Their ability to navigate steep canyon terrain is a key part of the plan, allowing them to reach areas where heavy machinery cannot go while clearing vegetation without chemical treatments or spark hazards.“Targeted grazing allows us to clear steep canyon terrain where heavy machinery can’t go—reducing wildf...