Over 600 Goats Unleashed in Pasadena's Arroyo Seco for Wildfire Prevention

The herd will spend the next two months grazing on dry brush and invasive species to reduce fire risks in the area.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:37am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vast, atmospheric landscape painting in the style of Caspar David Friedrich, depicting the Arroyo Seco in Pasadena shrouded in a dramatic haze. Hundreds of small silhouetted goats graze in the foreground, dwarfed by the towering trees and rolling hills that dominate the scene, conveying the overwhelming scale of the natural environment.Hundreds of goats graze on dry brush and invasive species in Pasadena's Arroyo Seco, part of a nature-based wildfire prevention initiative.Los Angeles Today

Hundreds of community members gathered at Brookside Park in Pasadena to watch as over 600 goats were released into the Arroyo Seco on Saturday, April 18, 2026. This is part of a wildfire prevention initiative led by the One Arroyo Foundation and the City of Pasadena. The goats will spend the next two months grazing on dry brush and invasive species to reduce fire risks in the area.

Why it matters

Fire prevention has been a major concern in Pasadena and surrounding cities after the devastating Eaton fire impacted the region in early 2025. This goat-powered brush clearing program is a nature-based solution to reduce wildfire fuel and improve the overall ecological health of the Arroyo Seco.

The details

The goats are confined to the Arroyo Seco area with an electric fence and are expected to clear around 100 acres of brush and vegetation over the next two months. This provides separation between the ground floor and tree canopy, helping to prevent fires from quickly spreading into the tree tops. The goats' excrement also adds nutrients to the soil. The Pasadena Fire Department is supporting the initiative as part of its broader commitment to wildfire resilience, including year-round vegetation management crews and increased brush inspections in high-risk zones.

  • The goats were released into the Arroyo Seco on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • The goats will graze in the area for the next two months.

The players

One Arroyo Foundation

A nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve and restore the Arroyo Seco. They have raised funds for the goat grazing program through a 'Goat Fund Me' campaign.

Pasadena Fire Department

The local fire department is supporting the goat grazing program as part of its broader wildfire prevention efforts, including year-round vegetation management crews and increased brush inspections.

Kathryn Barger

The L.A. County Supervisor who presented commendations for the One Arroyo Foundation and the City of Pasadena at the event.

Victor Gordo

The Mayor of Pasadena who spoke at the press conference for the goat release event.

Daniel Rossman

The executive director of the One Arroyo Foundation, who explained how the goats can help reduce wildfire risks in the area.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The goat program is just one part of the city's broader commitment to wildfire resilience. We've added year-round vegetation management crews who are actively reducing the fuels and maintaining the Arroyo (Seco).”

— Tim Sell, Deputy Fire Chief, Pasadena Fire Department

“We feel this multi-pronged approach is the best way to keep this community safe and get what it deserves together. Our crews, our community and yes, our goats, are going to build a safer and healthier landscape for the city of Pasadena.”

— Tim Sell, Deputy Fire Chief, Pasadena Fire Department

“I'm surprised they haven't done this a lot sooner. This should have been something they've done years ago, but, I mean, it's nice they're doing it.”

— Jorge Mejia, Alhambra Resident

What’s next

On May 11, the Pasadena Fire Department plans to bring an amendment to the city council to allow them to receive a grant that would assist in lessening utilities costs for the goat grazing and other wildfire prevention projects.

The takeaway

This goat-powered brush clearing program demonstrates Pasadena's innovative, nature-based approach to wildfire prevention, leveraging the unique abilities of these animals to reduce fire risks and improve the ecological health of the Arroyo Seco. By combining this with other measures like year-round vegetation management and increased brush inspections, the city is taking a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy to keep the community safe.