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262 goats set loose in Castle Pines open space to mitigate wildfire risk

The goats are part of a campaign that seeks to prepare communities for wildfire season.

CASTLE PINES, Colo. — It was a busy day of eating for 262 goats set loose to devour grass, weeds and leaves in the PineRidge open space Saturday in Castle Pines.

The goats are part of the Ready, Set, Go! campaign, which aims to educate and prepare people for wildfire ahead of time.

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Some goals of fire mitigation include reducing the vertical and horizontal continuity of vegetation to prevent fire from spreading as quickly and from getting into trees where it is harder to put out.

The goats eat mostly leaves, noxious weeds and grass in about 14 acres of PineRidge open space — beneficial because it slows down wildfire's ability to grow.

Credit: Courtesy South Metro Fire Rescue

PineRidge HOA residents, the City of Castle Pines and South Metro Fire Rescure host the program, now in its fifth year.

Castle Pines is about 25 miles south of Denver.

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