In an effort to reduce wildfire risk in the Evans Creek area, the Reno Fire Department is employing goats as a fire mitigation tool. This vegetation management strategy aims to decrease dry brush, invasive plants like cheatgrass, and other fire-prone vegetation to lower wildfire risks in the wildland urban interface.
High Desert Graziers from Smith Valley have provided 250 goats that began grazing approximately 27 acres of City-owned open space property on July 18, 2025. The Spanish goats will graze for about 45 days and are between the ages of 1 and 3 years old. These goats are bred to consume various types of vegetation in open and varied terrain without any known negative impacts.
“The Evans Creek area is prone to wildland fires,” said Reno Fire Chief Cochran. “The Evans Creek area was affected by both the Caughlin Fire in 2011 and the Pinehaven Fire in 2020, fuel mitigation and wildfire prevention efforts are critical in this region.”
Residents living along the Evans Creek area and those recreating near the grazing goats are advised to:
– Keep dogs leashed or at home during grazing to avoid potential conflicts
– Maintain a safe distance from the goats; they are accompanied by guardian herding dogs
– Avoid making loud noises
– Be aware of a temporary solar-powered electric fence set up in the grazing area
“Targeted grazing is an environmentally friendly and sustainable option for managing noxious weeds and flammable vegetation,” said Ward 2 Councilmember Duerr. “We’re proud to continue this creative approach as part of our ongoing commitment to creating a FireWise community.”
For more information on wildland fire mitigation, visit reno.gov/fire. Residents with questions can contact the Reno Fire Department’s Division of Fire Prevention at (775) 334-2300.
