In an effort to reduce the risk of wildfires in the Evans Creek area, the Reno Fire Department is using goats as a fire mitigation tool. The vegetation management strategy will help reduce dry brush, invasive plants such as cheatgrass and other fire-prone vegetation to lower the risk of wildfires in the wildland urban interface.
The 250 goats from High Desert Graziers from Smith Valley started grazing approximately 27 acres of City-owned open space property on July 18, 2025. The Spanish goats will graze in the area for about 45 days and are between the ages of 1 and 3 years old. This type of Spanish goats is bred to consume all types of vegetation in open and varied terrain having no known negative impacts to the goats.
“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 Evans Creek area and people recreating near the grazing goats are asked to:
- Keep dogs leashed or at home during the grazing to avoid potential conflicts
- Maintain a safe distance from the goats; the goats are accompanied by guardian herding dogs
- Not make loud noises
- Be aware a temporary solar-powered electric fence is 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.”
To learn more about wildland fire mitigation, visit reno.gov/fire. People who live in the area should contact the Reno Fire Department’s Division of Fire Prevention at (775) 334-2300 with any questions.
