over the sea most likely, when needed
1 Like
Only over the sea and only when absolutely necessary, such as when landing prematurely. Landing with full fuel tanks is not to be encouraged.
1 Like
It was apocalyptic , we live in Ille sur Tet ( Pyrenees Orientales)
We were allowed backed home yesterday evening after having to leave last Sunday with literally the clothes we were wearing.
The house still standing, we are luckier than others we know who have lost everything.
5 Likes
That sounds like a terrible ordeal, Karen. Iām pleased youāre OK and that your house is. Please let us know how life goes now youāre back, it could be tough for some people.
Thank you Jennifer for your kind message.
We are both fine and yes I will admit that it will probably be something small and inconsequential that sets me off , the devastation around it beyond belief. My husband was in the fire service for 30 years in Oxford and used to being in charge of everything , certainly different being the the ones evacuating.
We chose to leave 2 hours before the āofficialā evacuation as there was a fire 2 streets from ours.
2 Likes
It sounds tough, hopefully youāll be able to process everything thatās gone on in time. Very odd for your OH to be on the other side of events this time.
My hairdresserās OH is a gendarme and she said he was involved in fires closer to Narbonne, either directing traffic or telling people they had to leave their homes. Apparently some refused and had to be physically removed for their own safety.
Iāve seen some footage on the news and it looks devastated, Iām so sorry for the destruction. Some of the vegetation will regrow as you know, but the loss of trees is always sad. Weāve seen the same here on the mountain between here and Narbonne after about 600 hectares burned a few years ago. I know your damage is much more than that.
Take care of yourselves and each other. 
1 Like
Oh Karen, how scary, Iām so pleased you are OK. Keep us posted xx
Iām glad you have come through safely, but that sounds like a really difficult few days. I hope it doesnāt ruin the area for you. Must be so hard for those around you too.
How horrible for you, I hope it isnāt too grim and you feel safe again, it must have been awful.
1 Like
Hi Karen. Glad that you are safe and your home is OK. I live the other side of Perp near Canet and we could smell and see the smoke, it was horrible and actually quite scary especially after the three more fires yesterday afternoon closer to home.
So sorry to hear that Karen. How dreadful! And frightening, because one is powerless.
Hope that you now are safe and that those around you who have lost everything will have the support to rebuild their lives.
2 Likes
Terrible news from Spain where it is reported that 11people, including 4 British, have perished in or near their cars as they tried to escape the fires. How utterly horrible.
Thank you for your kind message, I will keep you posted.
Thank you for your kind message, there are still a lot of planes going over today but I think heading further up the valley. We are definitely going to have a bag ready and set aside just in case. In years gone by its usually the month of August that there are many fires in our area, we left with just what we were wearing, our passports and bank cards and a healthy sense of calm knowing what would be would be and weād deal with what came after as we went. Thankfully for us itās a very small clean up thatās needed.
We are really fine
5 Likes
Itās been challenging for sure, weāve been here 17 years and love the area.
Thank you for your kind message.
2 Likes
Terrifying to hear Karen stay safe
1 Like
Tragic, yes I understand they were told to remain in place in the village (where the fire did not go) or use a designated safe route. They went down a road in a ravine and got caught.
There is a moral thereā¦ follow instructions?
1 Like