Fire officials: Sheep a success in helping reduce fire danger

Thursday, July 22, 1999 | 10:51 a.m.

They surveyed the results and measured the amount of grass which was left behind by the sheep.

"The sheep have proven they can reduce fuel levels," said Don Henderson, deputy administrative specialist for the Nevada Division of Agriculture. "You can see how much less fuel there is in the grazed area as opposed to the ungrazed."

About 350 sheep, brought in by a Winnemucca rancher, were let out above C-Hill, to graze on a total of 45 acres.

The experiment cost about $13,000.

"It definitely lowers the chance of a major fire," Henderson said. "It's very effective. Our role is to experiment with any new tools we have for preventing fire."

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