The City of La Cañada Flintridge is taking a step forward in wildfire prevention by reintroducing one of nature’s oldest vegetation management tools: grazing animals. 

Through funding from CAL FIRE’s Wildfire Prevention Grant Program, the City has launched a targeted grazing project to reduce wildfire risk across 58.7 acres of City-owned land in the Gould Canyon area.

As a key component of the City’s broader wildfire mitigation strategy, this project involves the use of goats and sheep to manage vegetation in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) – the area where homes meet undeveloped, brush-heavy terrain. Grazing provides a low-impact, environmentally responsible method of reducing fuel loads, creating defensible space and supporting long-term community safety. 

“Wildfire safety is one of our top priorities,” said Mayor Kim Bowman. “By using targeted grazing, we’re leveraging a time-tested, sustainable solution to reduce fire danger while preserving the natural beauty of our hillsides. This investment will strengthen the resilience of our community.”

In partnership with the Los Angeles County Fire Dept., the City’s approach supports regional wildfire readiness while embracing eco-friendly land management. The grazing animals help clear dry brush and overgrown vegetation, slow the spread of fire and naturally improve soil health all without the noise, pollution or disruption of mechanical equipment.

As part of the initiative, the City created a dedicated webpage (https://lcf.ca.gov/wildfire-prevention/)  to increase wildfire prevention awareness. Community members can find information on home hardening, upcoming events and emergency preparedness tools.

For more information on the City’s wildfire prevention initiative, visit LCF.ca.gov/Wildfire-Prevention.