The goat brigade in Santa Juana, consisting of 250 goats, helps prevent forest fires by grazing on highly-flammable vegetation. Initiated in 2016 by Rocio Cruces and Victor Faundez, the project originally aimed to promote ecotourism. However, the goats' role became critical during the summer of 2023 when Chile faced severe wildfires. The goats created natural firebreaks that helped protect the local community, including the couple's home. Feeling a sense of responsibility, they expanded their efforts to aid surrounding residents affected by the fires.
Year-round, a herd of 250 goats known as the goat brigade is deployed in Santa Juana to prevent forest fires by eating highly-flammable vegetation.
Biologist Rocio Cruces and forestry engineer Victor Faundez initiated the project in 2016, initially focusing on ecotourism and later shifting to fire prevention.
During the summer of 2023, Chile faced deadliest wildfires in a decade, but the goat brigade's strategic grazing created effective natural firebreaks.
The owners felt a responsibility to help other residents affected by wildfires, expanding their initiative after experiencing mixed feelings about their own success.
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