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Goats to reduce Castle Pine's fire risk one bite at a time

Posted at 4:30 AM, May 31, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-31 10:42:39-04

CASTLE PINES, Colo. -- You may see hundreds of goats in Castle Pines by the end of the month as they chomp down the risk of fire near the Douglas County community.

South Metro Fire Rescue, along with Pine Ridge Homeowners Association, will be bringing the goats to multiple locations to graze on weeds and shrubs that have swallowed up acres of open space.

The goats were in Castle Pines last year, and the animals' boundless appetite proved to be a success. This year, more dining options have opened up for the hungry livestock animals. Two other neighborhoods will be joining in.

"This used to be pretty high; you couldn't even walk in it," said Gail Murray, a 17-year resident of Castle Pines. "We got a lot of land here, and a lot of flammable stuff.”

About 300 goats chomped away last June, clearing what could have fueled wildfires. 

"The city of Castle Pines faces a significant risk from wildfires," said Einar Jensen, a risk reduction specialist with South Metro Fire Rescue. 

This year, 36 acres between three neighborhoods will be worked on by hundreds of hungry goats. 

"With all those families at risk, with all our firefighters at risk, it's in our best interest to help homeowners’ associations reduce that risk," said Jensen.

Murray said people living in the neighborhood don't mind the goats, since they're helping protect their homes. 

"We don't want to have anything to happen to this. It's gorgeous, and we don't want to have to worry about our homes," said Murray.

The goats will be coming from Wyoming and will arrive in Castle Pines on June 24.