Firefighters battling the Rock Creek Fire in Colorado Springs received an unexpected and cheerful companion this week: a Nigerian dwarf goat named Goldie, short for Golden Oreo. The 4-year-old goat with a brown and white coat followed the crew for hours as they cleared brush and actively fought the fire, even munching on leaves to help with the brush clearing.
Goat Follows Firefighters Through Operations
Goldie led firefighters down a hill, followed them to their trucks, and watched as they packed up for the day. She then trailed behind one truck as it drove off, according to Colorado Springs Fire Department Lt. Trevor Leland. “I don’t know that she necessarily helped with the firefighting effort, but it’s always cool to see an animal like that who doesn’t mind us being there,” he said.
Earlier on Thursday, Goldie spotted a U.S. Forest Service crew member having lunch and tried to stick her head over his shoulder to get a bite, spending time with him before moving on.
Owner Describes Goat's Social Nature
Goldie’s owner, Lindsey Glader, described her as a “social butterfly” or “buttergoat.” Glader praised the firefighters for their phenomenal work on the fire, which was 50% contained late Friday. Ashley Franco, a spokesperson for the Colorado Springs Fire Department, said crews hoped to have it fully contained by Friday evening.
Context of Western Wildfire Season
The Rock Creek Fire is one of several blazes across the West, fueled by a record lack of snow, high temperatures, and erratic winds. The Colorado Springs crew was also called to the Aspen Acres Fire southwest of Denver, which forced thousands of residents to evacuate earlier this month.
Glader noted that Goldie seemed to sense the firefighters needed an “extra boost of support.” “She was able to give some comedic relief and offer some necessary levity for these guys and gals who have worked really, really hard and creating a break for this fire, and keeping a lot of people and a lot of things safe,” she said.
