Fire was raging across the airfield! It looked pretty frightening, even though the airfield authorities had sent vehicles to bring it under control. The flames were spreading quickly on the dry, brittle grass...
The rains have not come to Dodoma yet, so the ground and bush are as dry as can be. It is hot, hot, hot in Dodoma and the ground has not received a drop of rain to soften it since our last rainy season in April. It is not a good time to be lighting fires, but since that is the way most people here get rid of their rubbish, the danger of fires getting out of control is very real at this arid season.
Fortunately, the flames did not reach the apron where planes were parked, although the glowing heat of the fire made a dramatic backdrop to these aircraft stationed outdoors on the tarmac:
We spotted the fire as we were driving home from a very special occasion which involved flames of a much more controlled nature: the Carols by Candlight service at Dodoma's cathedral! We were shocked to see the startling colours of fire dancing in the Dodoma darkness, so we diverted our route home from the Carol Service so that Andrew could check that the aircraft and MAF hangar were out of danger. We then joined friends and neighbours on the edge of the airfield to watch the drama unfold as fire vehicles worked on quelling the flames. We were all very grateful that the wind was blowing the fire away from our homes and out across the field, where it was being brought under control. It was a relief to know that we were safe and that the MAF hangar with all of the aeroplanes and equipment were not about to be destroyed by fire!
We had just had a wonderful evening with many friends, joining in with traditional European Carols in an African setting. The children especially enjoyed the novelty of being outdoors after dark and having their own candles to hold with pride during the singing of the final Christmas Carols:
Seeing as this is our final Carols by Candlelight service in Dodoma, I took my camera to get a few photos as special souvenirs, so here is my (slightly hazy) view from near the front of the cathedral...
...and my picture from the back of Dodoma's cathedral:
We will miss this happy annual event! It's great to have photos to remember it by, although I can't help feeling that my children will probably look back and remember the excitement and drama of the raging airfield fire more than they will the gentle flames of their candles at the Carols by Candlelight service!
So pleased that the flames were brought under control and your houses and compound not affected on the eve of Ben's birthday. Quite a scare after such a wonderful Carol service. Hope you get rain soon. love nana x
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