We first noticed some smoke mid-afternoon - and minutes later flames were raging.  It was a breezy day and the flames were driven on rapidly. 

We called the fire brigade, but they were already aware of the fire. 

Helicopters were quickly sent to douse the flames - initially two and later two more.  They had their work cut out - the nearest sea to collect water is about 25km away.

They worked on the fire for several hours and into evening before the fire was under control, and then the Fire Brigade stayed on through the night. 

Good job they did - at one point the fire started to kick off again but they quickly had it back under control.

It's taught us to be extra vigilant about nakedflames when out in the countryside.  I've now idea how this fire started, but after months of baking sunshine the countryside is very dry and tinder like.  It wouldn't take much...  Cigarette smokers beware!

To see more pictures of the fire, go to my album of the fire near Polemi. 

Also check out some pictures taken of another fire at Secret Valley taken in June this year.