MALDEN, Wash. — A herd of 375 hungry goats is playing a crucial role in protecting the town of Malden from future wildfires as residents continue rebuilding four years after a devastating blaze destroyed virtually every building in the community.
Four years after the Babb Road Fire swept through Malden, Washington, the town is rebuilding with help from these unusual four-legged allies.
The goats, owned by Lester Camp of Leshay Goat Rentals, visit Malden each spring to eat dead grass and weeds, reducing potential wildfire fuel throughout the community.
“They do a great job of knocking down the foliage and reducing that ladder fuel,” Camp explained.
Malden has made significant progress since the fire, with new buildings including a town hall, post office, and fire station now standing where only ashes remained in 2020.
“We have done a lot in the last four years,” said resident Chandelle Frick. “We’re still in the recovery of the town.”
The goats’ work has proven effective. Frick noted that a recent 80-acre fire near town was quickly contained and never reached Malden.
Camp expressed pride in the town’s recovery: “It’s getting better and better and the town’s really looking nice.”
For the goats, it’s a win-win – they get to eat while helping protect the community from future wildfires.
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