On the night of October 8, 2017, a family residing on their rural property in Sonoma County faced an unexpected and devastating crisis as the Tubbs Fire erupted approximately 12 miles away. Without any notification of the fire's outbreak, they found themselves cut off from escape routes as their road was engulfed in flames. As an active volunteer firefighter with the nearby Mountain Fire Department, the father, Micheal Kay, recognized the urgency of the situation when he spotted an ominous orange glow on the horizon. He told his wife and children to prepare for evacuation.

In a courageous effort to warn others, he made his way to a second rental home on their property, alerting several individuals about the impending disaster. He quickly cut through the rear fence to create a dirt trail leading to a nearby golf course, facilitating the escape of those in danger. After ensuring everyone was evacuated, he re-entered the firestorm, dedicating the night to fighting ground fires and protecting neighbors’ homes, as well as the commercial buildings on the golf course.

During this harrowing experience, he encountered a rare phenomenon – a massive fire tornado. The visuals were surreal, as he witnessed trees exploding on three hillsides and embers swirling into giant tornadoes, resembling a pyrotechnic display. The intense heat caused entire houses to combust from the inside out, while the sounds of ammunition detonating added a bizarre backdrop to the chaos. The aftermath was grim, with wrecked and partially melted vehicles littering the roads, a stark reminder of the devastation.

 In the days that followed, he assisted arriving strike teams in navigating the complex terrain, working on spot fires, and supporting various tasks. Fire trucks brought him food and water as he moved from one unit to another, ultimately saving several homes and local infrastructure. Among his efforts, he found and rescued a man named Adam, who later became the property watchman.

Meanwhile, his family spent the night at a makeshift evacuation center in Santa Rosa before relocating to a tent at the Sonoma Coast and eventually finding refuge with friends. A couple of months later, they returned to their completely burned property in an RV trailer, where they lived for seven months before moving into a rental house west of the fire scar.

Over the next two years, the family remained in the area, where Kay organized crews for fire cleanup and secured a contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to clear hundreds of burned houses. As they navigated the aftermath, the experience took a significant toll on his young children. After a vacation in San Clemente, the family decided to return to their old home in the Coast neighborhood, where they had lived five years prior.

In 2020, the father discovered that his homeowners insurance in San Clemente was under review, resulting in increased rates. He voiced his concerns at a City Council meeting, highlighting the town’s vulnerability to fire and the potential risks associated with fire insurance. He proposed the idea of goat grazing in the canyons and hillsides as a fire prevention measure. Initially met with skepticism, his suggestions gradually gained traction among local leaders.

 Following the summer fires in the Santa Ana Mountains, he approached the City Council with a proposal for a pilot project to implement goat grazing in town. The City agreed, and together they developed a plan that included using City-owned land, providing water and insurance. He committed to constructing a coyote-proof enclosure and introducing 20 goats, a protective donkey, and a couple of sheep to graze on approximately nine acres. This initiative aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of goat grazing while allowing the City to establish a grazing permit process and conduct an Environmental Impact Report.

Five months into their pilot program, the city of San Clemente has found the goats to be an innovative and eco-friendly way to combat the ever-present threat of wildfires. These adorable and hardworking animals have become local celebrities, not just for their fire-mitigating prowess but also for their amusing antics and unique personalities.

 The twenty-strong herd of goats, is led by their fearless leader, Billy, a Sicilian miniature goat with a penchant for munching on the toughest weeds, Billy, has become the symbol of the town’s fight against wildfires. Residents often spot Billy and his crew grazing on the hillsides, diligently clearing away the dry and flammable vegetation.

One of the most beloved goats in this brigade is Daisy, a mischievous little doe with a knack for getting into trouble. Daisy once found herself stuck in a tree after attempting to reach some particularly juicy leaves. The local fire department had to be called in to rescue her, much to the amusement of the townsfolk. That day, Daisy earned herself the nickname “Tree Goat.” Then there’s Rocky, a spirited young buck known for his impressive jumps. Rocky loves to leap over obstacles in his path, and his antics have become a source of entertainment for the residents. One sunny afternoon, Rocky decided to showcase his jumping skills by vaulting over a picnic table, startling a family who was enjoying their lunch. The family couldn't help but laugh at Rocky’s exuberance and the memory has since become a cherished tale.

Another notable member of the herd is Luna, a gentle and affectionate goat who has a special bond with the children of San Clemente. Luna often accompanies the kids as they play in the park, and her calm demeanor has made her a favorite among the young ones. One child, after spending an afternoon with Luna, exclaimed that the goat had become their new best friend.

The goats’ efforts have had a significant impact on the local environment. By consuming large quantities of weeds and brush, they help reduce the potential fuel for wildfires, making the hillsides safer for the community. Their work has also fostered a sense of unity and pride among the residents, who appreciate the goats' role in protecting their homes.

The goats have become more than just a fire mitigation tool; they are now an integral part of San Clemente’s culture. Their presence has brought joy, laughter, and a sense of security to the town. As Billy, Daisy, Rocky, Luna, and the rest of the herd continue their vital work, the residents of San Clemente can rest a little easier, knowing that their furry friends are helping to keep the flames at bay. 

Now that the pilot project has concluded, the City has expressed strong support for expanding the initiative. The father has proposed bringing in over 200 goats to maintain a permanent presence in the area. Homeowners' associations have been contacted, and plans are underway to utilize goats for creating large fire breaks, with grant applications submitted to support the effort.

The City of San Clemente is enthusiastic about the potential of goat grazing to reduce fire fuel loads and mitigate invasive plant species, particularly wild thistle. As the community looks ahead, residents can expect to see many more goats grazing in the area, with Mayor Steve Knoblock expressing his strong support for the initiative. Discussions are ongoing to finalize the details of this innovative approach to fire prevention and land 

management.