Meet the GOATS of wildfire prevention at Marines’ Miramar base

Marines in California called in fire support from almost 500 four-legged reinforcements: goats. U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Alejandro Garcia Jr. directs goats to the grazing area during Operation Goat Rope at MCAS Miramar, California, Sept. 15, 2026. MCAS Miramar launched a pilot program using 471 goats to clear dry brush and reduce wildfire risk. (Seferino Gamez/U.S. Marine Corps) Smokey Bear may say only you can prevent wildfires, but Marines in California had a different plan this week, calling in fire support from almost 500 four-legged reinforcements: goats. Marine Corps Air Station Miramar launched a pilot program Tuesday that brought a 471-strong working party of nature’s finest foraging machines to chomp its way through dry vegetation across a large portion of the base’s training area.

The effort — dubbed Operation Goat Rope — marks the first time a U.S. military installation has used grazing animals as part of wildfire prevention efforts, according to base officials. Cole Bush, the founder of Shepherdess Land and Livestock, releases goats from an 18-wheeler during Operation Goat Rope at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Sept. 15, 2026. MCAS Miramar partnered with Shepherdess Land and Livestock to bring over 400 goats to East Miramar to graze on vegetation and help reduce wildfire risk. (Cpl. Seferino Gamez) Goats run out of an 18-wheeler during Operation Goat