Goat Herd Credited For Helping Stop Fires In West Sacramento
WEST SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Crews jumped from one blaze to the next as multiple fires broke out in West Sacramento Friday afternoon — and hungry goats are getting some credit for stopping the flames.
"For mid-May in the 20-plus years in the fire service, this is one of the driest I've seen," West Sacramento Fire Captain Jason Hunter said.
Two fires along Village Parkway threatened homes.
"About two hours ago, I saw a fire captain running down and I could smell smoke," West Sacramento resident Donald Gargas said.
"The wind wreaks havoc on us. That's one of the biggest factors for fire spread and intensity," Captain Hunter said.
Friday's high winds forced the flames to pick up speed, nearly crossing the ridge and into a nearby condo complex.
"I immediately started packing up our stuff, getting ready to evacuate," West Sacramento resident Celeste Mayhugh said. "You always have to be ready to evacuate in California."
While evacuations weren't needed, unlikely heroes helped protect the Riva condo complex: West Sacramento's goats, who recently had come by to eat underbrush near the complex.
Fire officials said that it was a difference-maker that kept the fire from fully heading down the ridge and into the complex.
But Friday's action was just the beginning.
"The way things are stacking up, it's going be a long summer," Captain Hunter said.
The goats are still out munching on grass in West Sacramento. Police will be closing down Jefferson Boulevard on Monday morning so the herd can cross the road to clear high grass near the Barge Canal.
