The forest fire
The first fire that has ravaged over 500 hectares is a few kilometres away from us. About 5 miles. About 500 people have been evacuated from the little neighbourhood of Toctoucau, the farthest stretch of Pessac. As far as effects on us: We have been impressed to see the canadairs - fire-dousing aeroplanes - passing over the house on their way to drench the flames. I got a new asthma inhaler just in time. I haven't used the thing for months and months. The one I had was empty. But last week I got a new one and this week because of the smoke in the air I've had to use it a bit. Do pray for the authorities of the towns of Pessac, Saint-Jean-d'Illac and of Cestas, for the firefighters working so hard all weekend and for the residents who have been evacuated. So far no house has been damaged and no life has been lost. Two firemen are reported as being mildly injured - one from smoke inhalation and one from something else.