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Fire flocks

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The Pau Costa Foundation is working to make landscapes safer and reduce the spread of wildfires by reviving a rural activity that reduces vegetation - shepherding.
Five sheep and goat shepherds in Spain’s Costa Brava region graze their four-legged brigades in strategic spots identified by the fire department to prevent the most destructive fires.
Their approach is to reinvigorate a local economy. The yogurt, cheese and meat products made from the animals are being sold in local shops and a network of restaurants to spread the message that by buying these food products, people are supporting safer environments.
The foundation plans to train 20 shepherds starting this year under a new project called Fire Shepherds.
‘You could say they fight the flames one nibble at a time,’ said Pau Costa’s director Oriol Vilalta. ‘They are like goat fire brigades.'