Arouca firefighter undergoes surgery after vehicle falls into ravine

A 54-year-old firefighter is undergoing new surgery today at Hospital São Sebastião after a severe vehicle accident in Arouca. The incident occurred when the vehicle, transporting four personnel to combat a wildfire in the Serra da Freita region, went off a ravine approximately 150 meters deep.

Of the four firefighters involved, one has been discharged, while two others remain hospitalized. One of the hospitalized individuals has moved out of intensive care, and the other is showing favorable progress and is expected to be transferred to a general ward. The most critically injured firefighter remains in serious condition with a reserved prognosis.

The wildfire that prompted the deployment consumed over 1,300 hectares of forest and scrubland, affecting Arouca and São Pedro do Sul. At its peak, the firefighting effort involved more than 650 personnel, 200 vehicles, and nine aerial assets. While forest damage was significant, local authorities reported no loss of buildings or livestock.