Simulation Test of Caminho dos Pretos Forest Fire Network

In Search of Hope – by Sam Gannon

Seconded to the parish of Tililngdon, the Reverend Dolores has been presented with a challenge.

She’s living in an antiquated house and she’s cold. Furthermore, her new Bishop, Bishop Alice does not approve of ‘showgirls in dog collars.’

Determined to prove the Bishop wrong, she sets about warming her house – who cares if it smells of horse! There is the crochet club, jumble sale, and soup run to organise. And this year, the church bells will ring, no matter what threats are made. Even more so, the newly formed choir will spread a little joy this Christmas, even though they can’t sing – yet! And with a little help from Phil, her bassist, this year could be full of magic.

However, she has a fight on her hands as the townies out in Knob Hill – she must stop calling it that, are trying to stop her from ringing her bells. When Krystal with a K decides to do some volunteer work, Dolores sets out to see just how committed she really is.

Up to her ears in granny squares and squawking choristers, Dolores is revving up for Christmas, yet a deeper darker secret is beginning to emerge!

A secret that could blow the whole parish apart and put Dolores in danger.

(available from Amazon)

Tomorrow, the 17th of August at 11:00 am, a fire drill will take place in Caminho dos Pretos, which will test the forest fire water network, as well as ascertain how much water can be supplied to the fire fighting helicopter.

The objective is to test the operability of the firefighting network, through a practical exercise, with the involvement of several civil protection agents (Firefighters Sapadores do Funchal; Madeira Volunteer Firefighters; Forest Police Corps of RAM; Sapadores Florestais of RAM ) in order to evaluate procedures and validate processes. An air supply test will also be carried out.

Moreover, the Regional Secretary for the Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, through the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation, is implementing its Fuel Management Belt for the Caminho dos Pretos project (commonly called “Band Cutting Fire”). A project which aims to compartmentalise forest spaces through the creation and maintenance of low combustibility zones.

This project covers an area of 640 hectares, with approximately 40% of the area having already been cleared.

The Regional Secretary for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Susana Prada, will be present during the simulation.

Samantha Gannon

info at madeira-weekly.com