Oh my word, thanks be you are all safe! That was so damn close, your gods were really looking after you! I have witnessed a fair few of these huge fires rage through the countryside here in Cyprus and it's amazing how quickly nature recovers. Within a year, there is often only a few blackened tree stubs to show for it amid the new greenery. The land will recover, but the main thing is that you are all safe and your dreams are not in tatters, just a little charred at the edges. Big love, guys. xx
Your written account of this horrific day stood me still. You all seem to have an impressive appreciation for your rich lives (past and present) it's hard to imagine that your gratitude level has since increased, though I'm sure it has. I think you chose your rescue items very well. It says a lot about you.
Dear Alistair & Ana, So awful to read your post. Glad you’re ok. We’ve had a couple of very close shaves in the Algarve & Cascais, so know exactly what it must have been like. Eucalyptus trees are a such a problem…and you’re right - it’s all about firebreaks & less flammable greenery like vines, oaks etc . The land will recover & hopefully next year will be less set. Rita x
Good Lord! Only just seen this. So glad to know you, Ana and the dogs are all safe. That was very close. Having been there and seeing the photo it really got close. Fire barriers are really important. I have my top 10 all in one place. A lot of boring stuff, clothes but you got me thinking about what else I would save. By next Spring most of that blackness will have disappeared. These events stop us from becoming complacent of our lives. Onwards and upwards you brave people. Build that dream. There is more wine to drink and good food to have and wonderful conversations with the world around us. al the best, Ana & Seb
Oof. What a tale! Beautifully and emotionally told. I choked up at the part where your neighbor came to dig the firebreak. Im so glad to hear you are all safe. I have lived in places where I had to have a bag packed & a jerry can of petrol to get across a border. Until quite recently we were moving to California so I have done the mental exercise of what would I take when the fire comes. My Christmas ornaments, collected from all over the world, maybe a few pieces of art? My husband’s guitar? I hope I never have to find out.
When I got the notice in the fogos-app and realized that you where so close to the fire it was terrifying. We read about fires all summer, we also had one not far from us and we also past one on the IC1. But this time it came "close" since we knew you where affected. Glad you are all ok and that you still have your paradise intact.
Before moving to Portugal my husband and I lived in Arizona where we saw too many wildfires. Just a year before we moved one came dangerously close to our community - close enough that the firefighting aircraft kept flying low over our house. We, too started to get ready to evacuate. It's amazing how in those moments you choose the things that you think matter to you.
Ultimately we didn't have to leave the house but can understand that feeling of helplessness.
No matter where you live in the world there are always risks. Some are worth it but I think you already know that. Great post. Thanks for sharing this.
My goodness Al. What a gripping account of a terrifying ordeal. I was hanging on every word wondering how this would end. I am so pleased that you are all okay and that your property survived this awful fire and your neighbours too. All that work cutting back the trees from the near the property was time well spent - and a rare example of sensible government rules. (As as aside, your question of what you would save in a fire is the centre of a Sherlock Holmes story "A Scandal in Bohemia": to find where blackmailer Irene Adler is keeping a compromising photograph of her and the King of Bohemia, Holmes tricks his way into her home then sets off a smoke bomb, shouting "Fire!" She rushes to a secret hiding place to save the photo). Sending good wishes your way. Dom
That sounds awful Al. I’m sure the last story any journalist wants to find themselves reporting on. So pleased it’s proven a near miss and all you’ve both worked so hard for hasn’t been destroyed and indeed that you, and S & F are fine. Thinking of you. Andrew and Jo xx
Thank you for writing this post. I was concerned when I saw news of the fire and realized how close it was to you, and am relieved to hear you and your community were spared the worst.
Oh my word, thanks be you are all safe! That was so damn close, your gods were really looking after you! I have witnessed a fair few of these huge fires rage through the countryside here in Cyprus and it's amazing how quickly nature recovers. Within a year, there is often only a few blackened tree stubs to show for it amid the new greenery. The land will recover, but the main thing is that you are all safe and your dreams are not in tatters, just a little charred at the edges. Big love, guys. xx
Your written account of this horrific day stood me still. You all seem to have an impressive appreciation for your rich lives (past and present) it's hard to imagine that your gratitude level has since increased, though I'm sure it has. I think you chose your rescue items very well. It says a lot about you.
Dear Alistair & Ana, So awful to read your post. Glad you’re ok. We’ve had a couple of very close shaves in the Algarve & Cascais, so know exactly what it must have been like. Eucalyptus trees are a such a problem…and you’re right - it’s all about firebreaks & less flammable greenery like vines, oaks etc . The land will recover & hopefully next year will be less set. Rita x
Good Lord! Only just seen this. So glad to know you, Ana and the dogs are all safe. That was very close. Having been there and seeing the photo it really got close. Fire barriers are really important. I have my top 10 all in one place. A lot of boring stuff, clothes but you got me thinking about what else I would save. By next Spring most of that blackness will have disappeared. These events stop us from becoming complacent of our lives. Onwards and upwards you brave people. Build that dream. There is more wine to drink and good food to have and wonderful conversations with the world around us. al the best, Ana & Seb
Thank you to the best neighbors in the whole Galaxy of the Stars !!! Just a bit of a hiccup this was and how lucky we are indeed !
Oof. What a tale! Beautifully and emotionally told. I choked up at the part where your neighbor came to dig the firebreak. Im so glad to hear you are all safe. I have lived in places where I had to have a bag packed & a jerry can of petrol to get across a border. Until quite recently we were moving to California so I have done the mental exercise of what would I take when the fire comes. My Christmas ornaments, collected from all over the world, maybe a few pieces of art? My husband’s guitar? I hope I never have to find out.
When I got the notice in the fogos-app and realized that you where so close to the fire it was terrifying. We read about fires all summer, we also had one not far from us and we also past one on the IC1. But this time it came "close" since we knew you where affected. Glad you are all ok and that you still have your paradise intact.
I thought you were living in Portugal for the quiet life. It is turning out to be more adventurous than being a journalist recently.
Glad you made it relatively unscathed and I expect the strimmer to be in the car the next time!
So glad everything was ok
We were in the Algarve in early September and saw some earlier damage in the East
Love what you’re doing and enjoy reading your blogs
Omg….so glad u r all safe!
Before moving to Portugal my husband and I lived in Arizona where we saw too many wildfires. Just a year before we moved one came dangerously close to our community - close enough that the firefighting aircraft kept flying low over our house. We, too started to get ready to evacuate. It's amazing how in those moments you choose the things that you think matter to you.
Ultimately we didn't have to leave the house but can understand that feeling of helplessness.
No matter where you live in the world there are always risks. Some are worth it but I think you already know that. Great post. Thanks for sharing this.
My goodness Al. What a gripping account of a terrifying ordeal. I was hanging on every word wondering how this would end. I am so pleased that you are all okay and that your property survived this awful fire and your neighbours too. All that work cutting back the trees from the near the property was time well spent - and a rare example of sensible government rules. (As as aside, your question of what you would save in a fire is the centre of a Sherlock Holmes story "A Scandal in Bohemia": to find where blackmailer Irene Adler is keeping a compromising photograph of her and the King of Bohemia, Holmes tricks his way into her home then sets off a smoke bomb, shouting "Fire!" She rushes to a secret hiding place to save the photo). Sending good wishes your way. Dom
So glad to hear your little piece of heaven is still unharmed and all your hard work intact. More to the point, very relieved you are all ok.
That sounds awful Al. I’m sure the last story any journalist wants to find themselves reporting on. So pleased it’s proven a near miss and all you’ve both worked so hard for hasn’t been destroyed and indeed that you, and S & F are fine. Thinking of you. Andrew and Jo xx
Thank you for writing this post. I was concerned when I saw news of the fire and realized how close it was to you, and am relieved to hear you and your community were spared the worst.
Wow, what an experience. I think I would have nightmares about it. Someone up there 👆 really likes you 😀let’s hope that you have lots of rain soon.