Malibu fire chief urges land‑management plan including goats and prescribed fire; council asks staff to return with implementation report

Assistant Chief Drew Smith of the Los Angeles County Fire Department briefed the Malibu City Council on Feb. 10 on land‑management approaches to reduce wildfire risk: managed grazing (goats), prescribed fire and mechanical fuel modification.

Smith described prior local treatments (including a multi‑acre goat grazing project) and said each tool has the right application depending on conditions. He presented data from recent projects — for example, a pilot where goats removed significant biomass over a month — and emphasized that a mosaic of treatments is required rather than a single fix.

Council members asked about CEQA, Coastal Commission review and approvals needed for work on state or MRCA lands. Smith said the city can identify priority maps, target parcels and work with state and federal partners; he urged a multi‑agency master plan. Council consensus: staff will work with the fire chief and the Public Safety Commission to bring back a project plan for consideration and a presentation in spring months when fuel‑treatment windows open.

Why this matters

Reducing fuel loads on neighboring wildlands and targeted defensible‑space treatments can change fire behavior and provide first responders with additional tactical options. Councilmembers and residents framed the plan as a prevention investment that can reduce repeat loss in future fire seasons.

Provenance: Topic introduced at SEG 1639 (topicintro) and discussed through SEG 2445 (topicfinish).