On 19 June a fire broke out, due to a garden accident, in a neighbouring village. This resulted in the fire travelling through our valley and destroying our entire house, and adjacent land.
We were actually in the process of repainting the house when we heard helicopters and saw the smoke. At first we thought it was just a small fire which would be quickly under control. However, we were so wrong.
I immediately went to inform my neighbours but they were already aware of the fire and had already started packing up their most important possessions so I prepared to leave myself. I then started packing and loading everything into my car, including my dogs.
We could not imagine that the fire would reach us but as the wind turned unbelievably the flames could be seen coming over the hills towards our property. Helicopters and planes flew overhead dousing the area with water but to no avail. The size of the fire was unimaginable.
It took just 3 hours from the first flames until we lost our house. We did everything we could to try to save the situation. Cut grass, bushes, felled trees and cut trails but everything was in vain.
We have 14 hectares of land, 12 of which have been lost to the fire. Cork oaks and medronho were the main crop on our land. Now all that remains is enormous swathes of charred land.
We have 3 donkeys Two suffered no ill effects of the fire but one was found 2 days after the fire, lost, confused and in pain. He suffered major burns to his hooves which were so damaged by the heat we were afraid he would lose them. Unfortunately one of our cats ran back into the house to shelter and didn't survive.
Now is a truly sad and difficult time as we try to rebuild our lives. But with patience, love and a lot of sweat and hard work we shall succeed. If you want to support us we thank you very much
The Night was terrible
Burnt Cork oak
The poor Donkey had to endure so much
