A fire in the Foothills above Boise's Military Reserve burned slow enough Sunday afternoon that firefighters were able to contain it to about 1 acre, according to Boise fire officials. The fire was reported at about 3:15 p.m.

The fire department credited fire mitigation efforts — namely, goats that were brought in to graze — with significantly reducing the fuels in the area. Capt. Jerry McAdams of the Boise Fire Prevention Unit said the fire could have easily reached homes if not for the work of the goats.

McAdams say the goats grazed 157 acres above Military Reserve. The fire, which is believed to have been human caused, started in the area where the goats had been grazing. The cause remains under investigation.