SDGE Celebrates a Unique Wildfire Prevention Parade with 300 Goats in San Diego
On June 18, 2025, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDGE) staged an extraordinary event in San Diego, where 300 goats participated in a lively parade. This unique initiative is aimed at showcasing the company’s innovative methods for preventing wildfires while engaging the community in the process. The goats, which serve as natural vegetation controllers, made their way through the neighborhood, effectively highlighting SDGE’s commitment to reducing fire risks and promoting sustainable practices.
The event was not just a parade; it marked the launch of SDGE's new Instagram account, @thegoatsdge, aimed at raising awareness about wildfire prevention tactics. This platform will share insights and updates about the goats' activities, as well as practical safety tips for the community throughout the year. By integrating social media storytelling with on-the-ground practices, SDGE is taking a modern approach to fire safety.
As part of a broader wildfire mitigation strategy, SDGE has relied on goats for several years to clear flammable vegetation from transmission corridors, making them an integral part of their ecological efforts. Goats are particularly effective as they can access rugged terrains that might be dangerous for humans or machinery. While grazing, goats consume invasive plant species and their seeds while naturally fertilizing the soil. This not only reduces the risk of erosion but also encourages the growth of native vegetation. Since 2021, these goat herds have cleared thousands of acres in high-risk fire areas across the county.
Brian D'Agostino, SDGE's Vice President of Wildfire Safety and Climate Science, emphasized the importance of these goats in a comprehensive wildfire prevention strategy. He stated, "Our goats may serve as a visible representation of our fire prevention strategy, but they are just one aspect of SDGE's multifaceted approach to community safety and grid resilience." SDGE prides itself on its significant record, with 17 years without any catastrophic wildfire incidents linked to utility services, highlighting the effectiveness of their collective efforts to protect the region.
The goats not only play a critical role in a safer community but also help in enhancing the health of the ecosystems. Their grazing activity increases nitrogen levels in the soil, contributing to more resilient ecosystems. Unlike mechanical or chemical methods, goat grazing does not produce sparks or debris, making them a safer option for use near homes and sensitive habitats.
To further engage the community about wildfire preparedness, SDGE encourages followers to join the goats on their Instagram journey, where they can learn about ongoing efforts and gain access to vital fire safety information. The comprehensive wildfire risk mitigation program of SDGE incorporates cutting-edge technology, ecological solutions, and community collaboration.
Among its various initiatives, SDGE operates one of the industry’s most advanced climate resilience and wildfire centers, which acts as a hub for developing and implementing innovative solutions for fire threats. The center merges artificial intelligence with predictive modeling and emergency response coordination, enabling rapid and integrated action against regional threats. Additionally, the utility employs a sophisticated weather network that utilizes machine learning to forecast weather patterns and understand fire potential.
SDGE has also invested significantly in the physical resilience of its energy network, having completed over 315 miles of strategic undergrounding and installed 1,600 fire-resistant poles while executing over 10,000 miles of advanced LiDAR inspections to enhance the reliability and safety of its services.
Community engagement is pivotal, as evidenced during the goat parade in Clairemont Mesa, where local residents gathered to support these four-legged firefighters. Fire Captain Jason Shanley expressed the importance of goats, stating, "These goats are nature's wildfire prevention team, removing brush from hard-to-reach areas and helping us mitigate fire risks year-round." He conveyed appreciation for the goats' partnership, emphasizing that their efforts contribute to community safety and environmental preservation.
As wildfire seasons intensify across the country, SDGE’s innovative approaches, from deploying goats for vegetation management to leveraging AI and advanced technologies, set a precedent for industry practices. SDGE, a leader in energy supply, is dedicated to providing clean, safe energy while ensuring the safety of the communities it serves. With a commitment to sustainable future and investment in low-carbon technologies, SDGE remains at the forefront of the energy sector, continuously recognized for its reliability and contributions to community welfare.
The event was not just a parade; it marked the launch of SDGE's new Instagram account, @thegoatsdge, aimed at raising awareness about wildfire prevention tactics. This platform will share insights and updates about the goats' activities, as well as practical safety tips for the community throughout the year. By integrating social media storytelling with on-the-ground practices, SDGE is taking a modern approach to fire safety.
As part of a broader wildfire mitigation strategy, SDGE has relied on goats for several years to clear flammable vegetation from transmission corridors, making them an integral part of their ecological efforts. Goats are particularly effective as they can access rugged terrains that might be dangerous for humans or machinery. While grazing, goats consume invasive plant species and their seeds while naturally fertilizing the soil. This not only reduces the risk of erosion but also encourages the growth of native vegetation. Since 2021, these goat herds have cleared thousands of acres in high-risk fire areas across the county.
Brian D'Agostino, SDGE's Vice President of Wildfire Safety and Climate Science, emphasized the importance of these goats in a comprehensive wildfire prevention strategy. He stated, "Our goats may serve as a visible representation of our fire prevention strategy, but they are just one aspect of SDGE's multifaceted approach to community safety and grid resilience." SDGE prides itself on its significant record, with 17 years without any catastrophic wildfire incidents linked to utility services, highlighting the effectiveness of their collective efforts to protect the region.
The goats not only play a critical role in a safer community but also help in enhancing the health of the ecosystems. Their grazing activity increases nitrogen levels in the soil, contributing to more resilient ecosystems. Unlike mechanical or chemical methods, goat grazing does not produce sparks or debris, making them a safer option for use near homes and sensitive habitats.
To further engage the community about wildfire preparedness, SDGE encourages followers to join the goats on their Instagram journey, where they can learn about ongoing efforts and gain access to vital fire safety information. The comprehensive wildfire risk mitigation program of SDGE incorporates cutting-edge technology, ecological solutions, and community collaboration.
Among its various initiatives, SDGE operates one of the industry’s most advanced climate resilience and wildfire centers, which acts as a hub for developing and implementing innovative solutions for fire threats. The center merges artificial intelligence with predictive modeling and emergency response coordination, enabling rapid and integrated action against regional threats. Additionally, the utility employs a sophisticated weather network that utilizes machine learning to forecast weather patterns and understand fire potential.
SDGE has also invested significantly in the physical resilience of its energy network, having completed over 315 miles of strategic undergrounding and installed 1,600 fire-resistant poles while executing over 10,000 miles of advanced LiDAR inspections to enhance the reliability and safety of its services.
Community engagement is pivotal, as evidenced during the goat parade in Clairemont Mesa, where local residents gathered to support these four-legged firefighters. Fire Captain Jason Shanley expressed the importance of goats, stating, "These goats are nature's wildfire prevention team, removing brush from hard-to-reach areas and helping us mitigate fire risks year-round." He conveyed appreciation for the goats' partnership, emphasizing that their efforts contribute to community safety and environmental preservation.
As wildfire seasons intensify across the country, SDGE’s innovative approaches, from deploying goats for vegetation management to leveraging AI and advanced technologies, set a precedent for industry practices. SDGE, a leader in energy supply, is dedicated to providing clean, safe energy while ensuring the safety of the communities it serves. With a commitment to sustainable future and investment in low-carbon technologies, SDGE remains at the forefront of the energy sector, continuously recognized for its reliability and contributions to community welfare.
Topics Environment）
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