In August 2018, wildfire devastated Quinta Picapau and the surrounding Serra de Monchique. Many mature cork oaks were destroyed. Others appeared to survive. Only during subsequent years did we begin to understand the full impact. Trees that remained standing slowly lost vigour. Some eventually fell during periods of strong wind.
The damage caused by extreme heat had not always been immediately visible. The fire taught us that landscapes carry hidden scars.
Recovery cannot be judged simply by what remains green when the smoke clears. It requires years of observation.
We no longer see wildfire solely as an emergency beginning when smoke appears on the horizon. Fire begins long before the spark.