2011 Fires

[Doug]

I should have included the forum with this link on the local fires. This post was about the large one that made it to outskirts of Scalea, and also another to the east of us. The large one definitely arson and the other possibly a cigarette. Someone wrote that 3 men were arrested somewhere in Italy for starting fires. The eucalyptus plantation really took a beating.

My wireless weather station receiver got zapped by the radio emissions of planes 100 meters overhead and the replacement is coming for $130. I'll not put the replacement in use during fire season next year.


Il Terrazzo Italiano: We're Burning Up!

[uakelly]

I have already referred to watching the fires this August and how close they were to your village on a 'Rubbish' thread.
You may not have been as aware as we were downwind that for about an hour the wind really got up (from nowhere) Shakespeare sprite style. Where we were, a fire ball came flashing past out balcony and died out. We saw the first circle? of fire. It was amazing how it spread and it took four planes the next day to sort it. ( It has to be said there were lots of fires that day including the one you refer to and the planes were going to all of them) It is hard to imagine the origins are sabotage as they are so far up the hill. A lot of it eventually seemed to be smoulder! It was sad to then see the devastation along the San Nicola - San Dominica road.
It was an amazingly hot July and August. Only one stoem we saw and it went around us!

[Doug]

Until the Sept rains return, the fires will continue. Some might even be lightning-caused now after a small squall -- 2 fires above Orsomarso yesterday.

Di has been cleaning the 2 apts in prep for guests and there is a lot of ash that blew in during the one close fire. Of course, I am to blame for leaving the windows open all night.......!!!

Even if the 300 acres (or so) of eucalyptus plantation is fried, they are sprouters so the owner can clearcut the lot this fall or winter and get new growth almost immediately. They use the wood for pulp.

[Andy&Kath]

I have got to say that having sat on the beach and watched as the planes flew over the sea, swooping down and skimming along the surface to take on water before pulling up again, I have the greatest admiration for these pilots who obviously have fantastic skills and ability and carry out a very dangerous but unfortunately very necessary job.