From the Frying Pan into the Fire

In case you missed our first post, read Why are we here in Portugal.

Last week we left the record-high inferno of Lisbon to visit communities north – and we jumped right into the fires! We were visiting the city of Leiria, close enough to see flames from several hills. We were not evacuated, and the fires were successfully suppressed in a few days. We drove through the aftermath of another fire on our way to visit Coimbra, one of the oldest cities in Europe and the first capital of Portugal. This phone app keeps us informed about each fire and the personnel and equipment engaged.

photo from internet news

Record-breaking heat waves across southern Europe are punctuated by wildfires in France, Spain, and Croatia as well as Portugal.

Here in Portugal, forests and villages share a cozy relationship with the hilly topography. Small and medium forest stands are widely distributed between cities, towns, and villages across the country. Most are privately owned, and many are held by small landowners and families through inheritance.

Cork oak, pine, and eucalyptus trees fill almost every hillside that is not farmed. Contrary to popular belief, eucalyptus trees (grown for wood-pulp and paper) are not inherently more fire-prone than the pine trees grown for resin collection (glue). However, the forest floor of eucalyptus tends to build a lot of tinder and should be cleared. Because many family holdings of forest stands have never been properly registered, the Portuguese government cannot adequately enforce fire mitigation practices everywhere.

In our search for our new home, our criteria had long ago included distance from a forest stand. We will stick to that part of the plan.

Next post: Breakfast and an open wallet

photo from internet news