As summer heats up and fire season approaches, Oakland is taking an unconventional approach to wildfire prevention , deploying herds of hungry goats to consume dry vegetation in the city’s high-risk areas.

Mayor Barbara Lee and Fire Chief Damon Covington are leading an innovative strategy to reduce fire hazards, utilizing these four-legged “firefighters” across more than 1,400 acres of open space and along 300 miles of roads. The approach is part of a comprehensive vegetation management plan designed to minimize the risk of devastating wildfires like the 1991 Oakland Hills fire that destroyed over 3,000 homes and claimed 25 lives.

The city’s commitment to fire prevention is bolstered by Measure MM, a $2.7 million annual parcel tax passed by voters in 2024. This funding enables Oakland to clear brush, remove hazardous trees, and implement proactive safety measures. Fire Chief Covington emphasized that their teams are conducting nearly 25,000 residential inspections to ensure defensible spaces around homes.

With the Fourth of July approaching , historically a high-risk period for fires , the Oakland Fire Department is taking extra precautions. They will close Grizzly Peak Boulevard for 24 hours and have established a dedicated hotline for reporting illegal fireworks. Covington stressed that all fireworks are illegal in the city, including “safe and sane” varieties.

Councilmember Janani Ramachandran highlighted the ongoing trauma of the 1991 firestorm, noting that for thousands of residents, fire prevention remains a top priority. The city’s multi-pronged approach, combining technological monitoring, community education, and yes, goat-powered vegetation management, represents a forward-thinking strategy to protect Oakland’s residents and landscape.

As climate change continues to increase wildfire risks, Oakland’s innovative approach offers a glimpse into creative municipal problem-solving that prioritizes community safety and environmental stewardship.