Fire Fuels Mitigation

Grazing lessens the intensity of wildfires by reducing fuel load. Historically, grazing by large herds of wild ungulates kept fuel loads down in between human-induced cultural burns throughout California, reducing the intensity of those fires and leaving us with a “mosaic” landscape abundant in old-growth oak savannas and chaparral interspersed with highly productive grasslands. Wildfires in California are growing exponentially due to: 1) the historical suppression of natural and prescribed fires, and 2) increased drought conditions and unpredictable storms due to climate change. We need to utilize all the tools available to manage our landscapes for our mutual benefit. Grazing is one of these vital tools.

Below are links to various articles that discuss the positive impacts of grazing as a fire mitigation strategy.

benefits of grazing & Wildfire risk

from UCCE Livestock and Range Topics

is california’s fire fighting strategy making future fires worse?

from Lisa M. Krieger, Bay Area News Group (pause ad blocker to read)

Prepare for wildfire

from UCCE Fire in California