Goat fire brigade keeps Spanish forest fires at bay - video

Much of Europe was scorched this summer by numerous forest fires. In Spain goats and sheep are helping to fight the blazes, one nibble at a time.

Dubbed the 'Goat Fire Brigades', the herd are part of a pilot programme in Girona, northern Spain.

They are shepherded by the Pau Costa Foundation.

Tapping into an old agricultural practice, the flocks are sent out to graze in strategic areas of the forest identified as being at risk from fires.

The local breeds, particularly suited to the terrain, make short work of munching through overgrown trees and scrubland vegetation.

This not only deprives fires of fuel, but also creates cleared areas for fire crews to easily reach the forest.

It's simple, cheap and effective and also gives the shepherds a unique selling point for their products.