Firefighters With Hooves: Goats Join Xàbia’s Fight Against Wildfires

Xàbia Council have presented a new ecological grazing initiative using goats in the Montgó area, specifically on La Plana, a pilot project aimed at preventing wildfires through a natural, environmentally friendly method that is also good news for the land itself.

The presentation was attended by Mayor and councillor responsible for Agriculture and Livestock, Rosa Cardona (PP); the councillor responsible for the Environment and CREAMA, Juanlu Cardona (PP); CREAMA Xarxa Agrícola representative Agustí Espí; Espacios Naturales del Parque Natural del Montgó representative Toni Pellicer; and shepherd Tomàs Llull, who is responsible for the herd.

The initiative involves more than 250 goats grazing in La Plana del Montgó for at least six months. The main objective is to prevent forest fires by sustainably reducing the amount of combustible vegetation, in a way that respects and works with the natural environment.

Mayor Rosa Cardona explained that “fires are put out in winter”, underlining the importance of prevention rather than reaction. She explained that this action complements ongoing forestry work already being carried out on the Montgó, involving more than 20 volunteer firefighters, as well as interventions in other parts of the municipality such as La Granadella. These efforts are further supported by work undertaken by the regional government and VAERSA in and around the Parque Natural del Montgó. In addition, forestry management work on the Camí Vell de Teulada is currently in the contracting phase for this year.

Councillor Juanlu Cardona highlighted that one of the key aspects of the project is that the goats will move throughout the entire area of La Plana, particularly in the urban-forest interface, the zones closest to homes. The aim is to create a protective perimeter that increases safety for residents. Think of it as a firebreak, but with bells.

The technical teams also explained that, in line with guidance from the natural park authorities, the animals will not roam freely without control. Grazing follows a carefully planned schedule and is constantly supervised. Sensitive areas, such as micro-reserves of flora and zones containing protected species, are strictly off-limits to the goats, ensuring the conservation of these high-value environmental sites.

This pilot project is already being studied for possible expansion to other municipal areas of Xàbia, given its effectiveness and sustainability. The initiative prioritises, first and foremost, public safety and wildfire prevention and, secondly, promotes a collaborative model involving the local council, CREAMA, the Parque Natural del Montgó and the livestock sector as a sustainable way to care for and protect natural spaces.

Using goats to clear vegetation allows the landscape to be managed respectfully, encouraging biodiversity, maintaining ecosystems and reviving traditional practices that have proven highly effective in reducing environmental risks. It is a sustainable solution with no negative environmental impact, fully aligned with environmental protection policies and the preservation and enhancement of natural heritage.

The council representatives explained that this has been a complex initiative involving significant bureaucratic procedures, but after a long process of coordination and groundwork, it is now a reality, serving both the territory and the people who live in it.