Wildfire!!

Here in Portugal, we have got used to reading about or watching national TV about the number of wildfires that occurr.

Between the 1st July and the 30th of September, Portuguese law prevents any type of bonfire, barbeques from being lit, or using any type of machinery that emits a spark. This period is referred to as the “Charlie phase” of the national fire prevention plan.

Well, last Friday (10 Sept), was just an ordinary day here in Evora, 34C°, blue skies & a gentle Westerly wind blowing, when just after lunch, we noticed our next-door neighbour had lit a bonfire and was burning a lot of cardboard! Within minutes of the bonfire being lit the adjacent field caught fire and was raging out of control. Approximately 4 minutes later, the Bomdeiro’s (Fire Service) helicopter was overhead, with a “Bambi” (rubber bucket) slung underneath & depositing water onto the raging fire, whilst having to avoid the High Voltage power lines!

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The ‘Bambi’ water bucket, slung beneath the helicopter, deposits 2000 Ltr’s each drop and is refilled, mid flight, from a local lake or swimming pool.

We then heard sirens coming in the distance & then fire engines began appearing in the thick smoke & spreading out across the landscape, followed by firemen in heavy protective clothing. It wasn’t long after that all of the local farmers were also out in force, with their large tractors + ploughing equipment, working alongside the Firemen. The Cattle and Sheep in the surrounding fields could be seen stampeding away from the flames & smoke.

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The land around our home is mainly pasture & pine / oak trees, none of which have tasted rain for the last 5 months. In these conditions the wildfire can travel at a rate of 14 miles per hour. The fire got within a hundred meters of our home, the only saving grace was the westerly wind direction which prevented the fire from reaching us! One of our neigbours wasn’t as lucky, the fire got within 10 meters of his home & burnt his Olive grove.

The fire raged for over an hour but was eventually brought under control & finally extinguished after destroying 120 acres.
According to the national fire service website, which maps all fires, the fire which threatened us utilised the following:

Fire Commander & Communications unit,

47 x Firemen,

12 x Fire trucks,

one helicopter & a light aircraft.

It wasn’t long after the danger passed, the GNR Police started visiting farms in the area to establish the origin of the fire. The criminal offence of lighting a fire during this period carries a fine of up to €60,000 or jail when life is lost.

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The next morning!

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Now we have experienced first hand the dangers of the wildfires & the stark reality of our vulnerable position, Geoff & I have agreed to formulate a wildfire plan, to protect ourselves (pets + home) and escape routes should they be required.