Goats Graze Glendale's Verdugo Park Early to Get Ahead of Wildfire Threat

Herd of goats will chomp away at 20 acres of dry brush on hillsides to reduce fire risk near homes.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The City of Glendale is starting its wildfire control efforts earlier this year, as a herd of goats was let loose Wednesday to begin grazing on vegetation in Verdugo Park. Throughout the week, the goats will chomp away at 20 acres of brush on the hillsides of the Verdugo Mountains park, including the slopes that lead to homes on Las Flores Drive. This early grazing is needed after heavy rainfall accelerated vegetation growth, with more herds expected to return later in the summer to stay ahead of fire season and reduce risks.

Why it matters

Glendale has expanded its high-risk wildfire zones to nearly 15,000 acres, prompting the need for aggressive, layered mitigation strategies. Goat grazing is one component of the Glendale Fire Department's Vegetation Management Program, which also includes mechanized brush clearance, inspections, and collaboration with residents to reduce community wildfire risk.

The details

The goats are being provided by the California Grazing Company, which is partnering with the Glendale Fire Department. The goats can access hard-to-reach areas and are well-suited for locations where machinery would create noise concerns. The goal is to get ahead of fire season by clearing vegetation in areas close to homes and on city-owned land.

  • The goats were let loose on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 to begin grazing.
  • The goats will graze for the entire week on 20 acres of brush in Verdugo Park.

The players

Patty Mundo

Fire Environmental Safety Specialist at the Glendale Fire Department.

Michael Clane

Owner of the California Grazing Company, which is partnering with the Glendale Fire Department to provide the goats.

Glendale Fire Department

The fire department leading the Vegetation Management Program, which includes the goat grazing efforts.

Glendale City Council

Adopted the recently updated CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps, which expanded high‑risk wildfire zones to nearly 15,000 acres in the city.

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What they’re saying

“We focus on locations that are close to homes, and that are city-owned, and the goal is to get ahead of fire season.”

— Patty Mundo, Fire Environmental Safety Specialist, Glendale Fire Department (CBS News Los Angeles)

“We can come in and get to places that are really hard to reach. The goats and sheep are great at climbing up mountains and hills.”

— Michael Clane (CBS News Los Angeles)

What’s next

More herds of goats are expected to return to Verdugo Park later in the summer to continue the vegetation management efforts and stay ahead of fire season.

The takeaway

Glendale is taking proactive steps to reduce wildfire risk in the community by utilizing goat grazing as part of a comprehensive Vegetation Management Program. This early intervention aims to get ahead of accelerated vegetation growth and protect homes near the Verdugo Mountains.