As firefighters battled a Colorado wildfire this week, they were joined by an unlikely companion who brought smiles to an exhausting day on the fire line: a friendly goat named Goldie.
The 4-year-old Nigerian dwarf goat, whose full name is Golden Oreo, spent hours following crews as they fought the Rock Creek Fire near Colorado Springs, clearing brush and even nibbling leaves along the way.
She wandered beside firefighters, led them down a hillside, watched as they packed up their gear and even trotted after one of the departing fire trucks.
"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," Colorado Springs Fire Department Lt. Trevor Leland said.
Earlier in the day, Goldie also tried to join a U.S. Forest Service firefighter for lunch, poking her head over his shoulder in search of a bite to eat, Leland said.
Her owner, Lindsey Glader, wasn't surprised.
"She's quite the social butterfly," Glader said.
While Goldie couldn't stop the flames, Glader believes she gave firefighters something just as valuable: a moment to smile.
"She was able to give some comedic relief and offer some necessary levity for these guys and gals who have worked really, really hard creating a break for this fire and keeping a lot of people and a lot of things safe," Glader said.
The Rock Creek Fire was 50% contained late Friday, with firefighters hoping to fully contain it by the end of the day, according to Colorado Springs Fire Department spokesperson Ashley Franco.
The blaze is one of several stretching firefighting resources across the West after a winter with little snow, followed by high temperatures and erratic winds. Many of the same Colorado Springs firefighters had recently returned from battling the Aspen Acres Fire, which forced thousands of people to evacuate.
After days of long hours and dangerous conditions, Goldie's unexpected visit offered a brief reminder that even in the middle of a wildfire, small moments of kindness can lift tired spirits.
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