It’s a long update from Chumbaria this month, because it’s been a very long month. When we moved to Portugal, we were aware of the potential of forest fires and that our district had experienced some serious fires over the years. However, we still chose to buy a village on the top of a ridge with surrounding valleys full of eucalyptus trees. The best piece of practical advice we got when we arrived was from our Portuguese friend Sonny who said, before you do anything else, clear your land of eucalyptus and create a firebreak. Wise words and we’re glad we did as he suggested. The huge forest fire that came through the valley earlier this month was a terrifying event. We had no choice but to leave Chumbaria when we did, both of our escape routes were quickly becoming too dangerous for us to be able to reach the safety of our local villages. It was a traumatic departure, but we made the right decision and we’re all safe. The fire devastated most of our land. Our food forest is gone and most of our vegetable beds. However, some trees have survived, all of our chickens are still alive and unbelievably some vegetables are still growing. Most importantly, our home and all of our village buildings are safe and sound. Our neighbours told us that the Bombeiros were fighting the fire around our village late into the night. A combination of land clearance and the bravery of the Bombeiros, saved Chumbaria. We will be forever grateful to the brave men and women of the Portuguese Bombeiros. When we arrived home to assess the damage, there was a fire raging in Crasto, the village on the eastside of the valley. It was deeply upsetting to watch, but as the hours went by, we were amazed at the skill of all the firefighters, helicopters, planes, police, the community and how they all managed to bring it under control. It was humbling. We are not only grateful for their part in saving our village, but awed by their skill and bravery in any difficult situation.
