Fire in Calabria ðŸ˜
Fire in Calabria
It breaks our heart to write this. On Tuesday, August 10 a manmade fire, started on a neighboring property, burned its way onto our grove and onto the surrounding family estates.
We called the fire department, but they said they were ‘too busy’ and never showed up. We called all of the neighbors, and a few came to defend their property against the blaze. But honestly, there wasn’t much any of us could do. You see, the agricultural water in our quadrant was turned off (this is something they often do to prevent overwatering). The fire was small, but without proper access to water, all we could do was send ‘thoughts and prayers' and we all know how that works out…
So there we were in our swimsuits and flip flops (we literally drove over from the beach) attempting to put out a fire with sticks, dirt, and will. At one point a water scooper (fire fighting airplane) flew up in front of the cliff in front of our property and we thought we were saved… Then it flew away.
Giuseppe was monitoring the properties throughout the day and put out more fires that were several feet away from burning our oldest trees. Thankfully, we regularly trim the weeds close to our trees and fence. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough as the fire continued to burn along all 4 sides of our property incinerating any tiny patch of dry weed in its path.
*Olive trees do not appear burnt/charred until 24+ hours after burned. Damaged leaves and branches must be cut off.*
The Damage
Property #1
Planted by Giuseppe’s grandfather, Salvatore + Lina, Giuseppe + Skyler
The trees along one boundary were badly damaged but will come back in a few years with proper rehabilitation. Frustrating, as we just spent 4 years rehabilitating those specific trees.
Almost all of the barrier plants along another boundary are completely burned, but they did their job and held both the blaze and wind at bay.
A brand new, large watering pipe melted.
Interior trees and the oldest trees are safe.
Property #2
Planted by Giuseppe’s grandfather
Boundary trees are completely burned. We will rehabilitate and hope for the best.
Several interior trees are badly burned but will come back with proper rehabilitation.
Huge old cacti (fichi d'india) burned, TBD if it will survive.
Trees in the center and on the furthest boundary are fully intact.
Our Neighbors
Front barrier plants are extremely burned. TBD if they will come back.
Minor damage to interior trees, most will come back.
Where We're At
Giuseppe and I feel violated and abandoned. First, this was a manmade fire that could have easily been avoided, but it put our entire livelihood at risk. Second, the fire department didn't even show up so we were left to fend for ourselves without the proper tools. Had we had access to water we could've put out the fire quickly and wouldn't be dedicating an entire newsletter and most of our time this month to the situation. This is what we mean when we say Calabria and the people here have been abandoned.
As co-olive oil producer, writer of these newsletters, and head of marketing at EXAU I'm ready to tell everyone on the internet about this. But, the reality is I'm most concerned for the person who cares for our trees every single day. And that’s Giuseppe.
What you (and even I often) don’t see is Giuseppe walking through the groves almost every single day and analyzing what the trees need. For the past 3 years, he’s been laser-focused on reshaping all of the trees on our property and rehabilitating any sick and/or burned strays. Then some irresponsible sh*thead (ya, I said it) started a fire and ruined years of work in 30 minutes.
What this person stole was way more than just a paycheck. The olive groves are our family’s living legacy and one of the most important ways we’re building multi-generational wealth. And for me, I never owned property before coming to Italy, so having these trees is special. They’re tangible and give so many beautiful gifts. Seeing such carelessness is disgusting.
(Un)Controlled Burning
There's a lot of ‘controlled burning’ in Calabria. And while there may be a time and place for that, burning in the middle of summer during a heatwave, with high winds, and no access to water is NOT the move. We’ve known climate change is real and it's happening right before our eyes. It's each of our responsibilities to be vigilant and intentional about the work we do within this industry. And that includes making sure other people's properties are safe.
Controlled burning is no longer 'controlled' in Calabria. It's reckless burning and an immediate threat and danger to surrounding properties. This season we have seen multiple fires quickly grow completely out of control as irresponsible humans throw cigarettes from moving vehicles and farmers light things on fire to 'get rid of them'. Then other farmers and homeowners must turn on sprinklers and hoses to try and save their crops/trees and homes.
Currently, there are fires all over Southern Italy. We just visited Soverato a few weeks ago and now the hills above the beach are releasing plumes of smoke. We refuse to use the term 'wildfire' because these are NOT wildfires. They're started by irresponsible humans. Period.
Next Steps for EXAU
Legal council + receipts. This isn't over!
How To Help
SHARE + TELL YOUR FRIENDS. Forward them this email!
BUY some Lina (it’s in stock!). BUY preorders when they open later this year.
CONSISTENTLY support farmers and small/family businesses.
Don't start fires because you can ruin businesses and LIVESÂ : )Â We will be adding firefighters and protectors of olive trees to our resumes.
Some Good News
Calling all parents with kids age 7 to 14. This week I'm going to be a guest speaker on Rocket Club Academy Live, an interactive Q & A talk show for members of Rocket Club Academy. Rocket Club Academy is the S.T.E.A.M. and Entrepreneurship certificate program and community for school-aged children from around the world. Their curriculum focuses on cutting-edge disciplines that are changing global industries. Previous guests on the show have included Founders of companies like Netflix, Warby Parker, and Casper. I can’t wait to meet these brilliant young innovators and share my experience with them!
If you'd like your kiddo to join please respond to this email. Please include their full name and an email address so they will be able to gain access to the event.
Website:Â Rocket Club Academy
Instagram:Â @rocketclub
Facebook:Â Rocket Club Academy
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We Moved Fulfillment Centers
Some other good news. We moved fulfillment centers (still in TX) and it feels great. Here's what's changed when it comes to shipping:
Orders ONLY ship Monday - Wednesday (reduces time in transit)
Orders placed before 12pm CSTÂ Monday - Wednesday will ship out within 24 hours
Orders placed after 12pm CST Wednesday - Sunday will ship out Monday
Orders now primarily ship via FedEx
If you want your oil to ship ASAP please order before 12pm CST on Wednesdays. These shipping methods will remain in place until fall.
Follow EXAU on Instagram or Facebook for more!
A presto,
-Skyler & Giuseppe
www.EXAUoliveoil.com