Wildfire-prevention goats in high demand as US West Coast endures historic heat and drought

As historic heat waves and drought pummel the U.S. West Coast, goats and goat herders are in high demand for fire abatement.

Using goats to clear flammable dead grass is not new, but as authorities and the public become more aware of the environmental benefits, the popularity and demand have grown, said Johnny Gonzales, field operations manager for Environmental Land Management.

"The popularity of goats has really increased over the years, people now equate goats to doing fire fuel breaks. The interest has sparked, you know, cities and the counties in the state to look into the viability of it," Gonzales told Reuters.

Goats naturally remove invasive plants and their droppings fertilize the soil without reseeding, which prevents the area from reproducing.

The aim of the goat clearing is to establish a natural fire-break, so that if a wildfire does occur, it will stop before reaching the nearby community.

For more info, please go to https://globalnews.ca/news/7986240/heat-wave-warnings-western-canada/

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