Fire Prevention Strategies Using Goats

Firefighters in North Bay are using goats to prevent wildfires. The goats help clear vegetation, which serves as fuel for fires, at a lower cost than manual methods. This initiative is part of a program called Fire Safe Marin, which was developed after learning from a massive fire in 1923. The program uses scientific models to determine the best areas for fuel reduction. The community supports this effort, and goats are expected to be a permanent part of fire prevention strategies.

What year did the largest fire in Marin County history occur?

• 1956

• 1923

• 1934

• 1945

What is the name of the program coordinated by Todd Lando?

• Fire Safe Marin

• Marin Fire Shield

• Safe Homes Marin

• Marin Wildfire Prevention

How much does it cost per acre to use goats for vegetation clearing?

• $700

• $500

• $300

• $900

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How much does manual vegetation clearing cost compared to using goats?

• About the same

• Twice as much

• Three times more

• Half as much

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What is the main benefit of using goats for vegetation management?

• Environmental friendliness

• Ease of handling

• Speed

• Cost-effectiveness

How quickly can a herd of 400 goats clear an acre of land?

• One day

• Two days

• One week

• Three days

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What unusual plant do the goats eat that helps in clearing the land?

• Nettle

• Poison oak

• Ivy

• Thistle

What technology do scientists use to determine the best locations for the goats?

• Manual surveys

• Drone surveillance

• Satellite imagery

• Computer models

What was the community's response to the removal of vegetation?

• Mostly negative

• Highly positive

• No response

• Mixed feelings

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What will be the role of goats in the fire protection plan after the first year?

• Only in emergency cases

• Permanent part

• Temporary solution

• None