Rotation 9 in Paredes de Coura & Team 3 in Penela: Search operation in Rubiães and large-scale deployment in Coimbra

Following the heavy rainfall of the previous week, the ninth rotation week also began with a relatively low risk of wildfires. Nevertheless, the teams in northern and central Portugal faced a highly varied and intensive programme.

Paredes de Coura: Intensive search operation in RubiãesIn 

Paredes de Coura, the number of fire call-outs was limited to a single report of a wildfire. In addition, the team was called out to deal with a fallen tree and carried out around ten medical interventions.

The absolute highlight of the week, however, was a large-scale and emotionally draining operation: the search for a missing woman in Rubiães. For days and nights on end, our volunteers searched shoulder to shoulder with the local bombeiros, the GNR (Guardia Nacional Republicana), search-and-rescue dog teams and drone units. Unfortunately, despite the massive effort and the round-the-clock search operations, the woman was not found. The team used the remaining time and quieter moments to carry out intensive training with their local colleagues.

Team 3 in Penela: Major wildfire in Coimbra

Whilst the risk remained low in the north, colleagues from Team 3 in Penela faced a rising fire risk. This was immediately evident on the ground. The team was deployed to tackle a severe and complex wildfire in the Coimbra region, where around ten fire-fighting aircraft and helicopters also had to be deployed. In addition to this major wildfire, Team 3 was also called out to a house fire and a series of smaller incidents.