In Langford, a unique wildfire mitigation strategy is underway using a group of 13 goats. The goats, belonging to Natasha Murphy of Vancouver Island Goatscaping, were seen effortlessly devouring dense blackberry bushes and thorny brambles near Starlight Stadium. This initiative aims to reduce the city’s flammable underbrush while also promoting fire safety awareness.
Natasha Murphy mentioned that her goats, available for rent at $35 per day, are effective in eating vegetation on steep slopes where heavy machinery or chemicals cannot be used. She highlighted the goats’ ability to work long hours, even overnight, as long as they have access to water. Following the goats’ grazing, city crews will clear any remaining dead debris from the area.
Courtney Tremblay, the FireSmart coordinator for Langford Fire Rescue, emphasized the cost-effectiveness of using goats over human labor for this task. She hopes that showcasing this innovative approach will draw attention to individual efforts in reducing wildfire risks within the community.
To engage the public and educate them on wildfire prevention, Langford is hosting a free event where people can observe the goats at work on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Food trucks and FireSmart information will be available on-site. Tremblay stressed the importance of wildfire awareness, especially in a beautiful yet fire-prone region like Vancouver Island.
Inspired by similar initiatives in Washington state and the North Island, Tremblay proposed the idea of using goats for wildfire prevention in Langford. Fire Chief Chris Aubrey expressed enthusiasm for this unconventional approach, recognizing the high fire risk the community faces being surrounded by forests. He likened the goats to firefighters for their hard work and dependability, welcoming them as valuable members of the fire prevention team.