Fires Prevented With Utah Guard Goats

CAMP WILLIAMS, Utah (AP) -- They may not know it, but a crew of about 500 goats has been given a very important assignment: Eat.

The Utah National Guard has acquired the herd to help fight fires around its Camp Williams installation in the north central part of the state.

The goats, which arrived Monday, will help prevent extremely hot fires by eating heavier and hotter-burning fuels, such as sagebrush and oak brush.

The military started using goats in 2000, and has increased the number available because of earlier success.

Goats are also used in fire prevention efforts in California.