Placer County's Four-Legged Fire Crew Returns: 2,000 Goats and Sheep Deployed to Reduce Wildfire Risk
Jul 07, 2026 03:14PM ● By Placer County News Release
These hardworking animals are tasked with a critical mission: consuming dangerous fire fuels such as weeds, invasive plant species and low-hanging tree limbs. Photo courtesy of Placer County
AUBURN, CA (MPG) - The Placer County Department of Agriculture, Parks and Natural Resources is continuing its unique approach to wildfire mitigation this summer, deploying 2,000 goats and sheep to county-owned parks and properties across western Placer County.
These hardworking animals are tasked with a critical mission: consuming dangerous fire fuels such as weeds, invasive plant species and low-hanging tree limbs. By munching away at this flammable vegetation, they help create natural firebreaks and reduce the risk of wildfire spreading to nearby communities.
The grazing program has already completed work at Griffith Park, Traylor Ranch Preserve and Bird Sanctuary, Loomis landfill and county-owned community parks in Loomis.
Operations will continue at Dry Creek Park and Doyle Ranch Park in Roseville; county-owned properties in Granite Bay; the Placer County Government Center; Hidden Falls Regional Park and Big Hill Preserve in Auburn; Meadow Vista landfill; and county-owned sites in Foresthill.
"Goats and sheep can graze steep slopes and dense brush that mowers and crews can't easily reach, and they do it without herbicides or heavy equipment," said Placer County's Parks, Trails and Open Space Division Project Managerf Lauren Catlin. "Every acre they clear lowers the risk of wildfire gaining a foothold near our neighborhoods."
The use of goats and sheep for fire mitigation is becoming increasingly popular due to their effectiveness at clearing dense vegetation in hard-to-reach areas.
While visitors are encouraged to view and appreciate the herds hard at work, these animals are not pets. The county asks that the public give them plenty of space, keep dogs leashed and avoid approaching the animals, fencing or equipment.
At some sites, a shepherd will live on-site in a trailer or camper to care for the herd and ensure safe, efficient grazing operations.
Temporary fencing and signage will be in place while grazing is underway, and some trails may be closed temporarily while the animals are on site.
Visit our Placer County Parks, Trails and Open Space website for more information about seasonal grazing operations at https://www.placer.ca.gov/10877/Seasonal-Grazing-Operations.
AUBURN, CA (MPG) - The Placer County Department of Agriculture, Parks and Natural Resources is continuing its unique approach to wildfire mitigation this summer, deploying 2,000 goats and sheep to county-owned parks and properties across western Placer County.
These hardworking animals are tasked with a critical mission: consuming dangerous fire fuels such as weeds, invasive plant species and low-hanging tree limbs. By munching away at this flammable vegetation, they help create natural firebreaks and reduce the risk of wildfire spreading to nearby communities.
The grazing program has already completed work at Griffith Park, Traylor Ranch Preserve and Bird Sanctuary, Loomis landfill and county-owned community parks in Loomis.
Operations will continue at Dry Creek Park and Doyle Ranch Park in Roseville; county-owned properties in Granite Bay; the Placer County Government Center; Hidden Falls Regional Park and Big Hill Preserve in Auburn; Meadow Vista landfill; and county-owned sites in Foresthill.
"Goats and sheep can graze steep slopes and dense brush that mowers and crews can't easily reach, and they do it without herbicides or heavy equipment," said Placer County's Parks, Trails and Open Space Division Project Managerf Lauren Catlin. "Every acre they clear lowers the risk of wildfire gaining a foothold near our neighborhoods."
The use of goats and sheep for fire mitigation is becoming increasingly popular due to their effectiveness at clearing dense vegetation in hard-to-reach areas.
While visitors are encouraged to view and appreciate the herds hard at work, these animals are not pets. The county asks that the public give them plenty of space, keep dogs leashed and avoid approaching the animals, fencing or equipment.
At some sites, a shepherd will live on-site in a trailer or camper to care for the herd and ensure safe, efficient grazing operations.
Temporary fencing and signage will be in place while grazing is underway, and some trails may be closed temporarily while the animals are on site.
Visit our Placer County Parks, Trails and Open Space website for more information about seasonal grazing operations at https://www.placer.ca.gov/10877/Seasonal-Grazing-Operations.
