The image captures the brutal fire in Campanar as Sara and her partner found themselves trapped on a balcony on the 13th floor of the Maestro Rodrigo building. Fire danced closer and closer around them while flames rose higher, and the waiting felt endless. After a long, nerve-wracking hold, firefighters managed to reach their window and pull them to safety. On Friday, the couple spoke to the media for the first time since the incident, choosing to express heartfelt gratitude to the emergency crews whose credentials and courage they credit with their lives.
Sara described the ordeal as emotionally exhausting, lasting about two and a half hours. “But we are alive, and that is what matters. We are incredibly grateful to be here together”, she noted. Neither she nor her partner sustained injuries beyond the immediate danger they faced.
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The two Portuguese nationals credit the precise and daring rescue operation by the firefighters for saving their lives. Reaching their balcony, which stood more than thirty meters above street level and faced gusts of wind up to fifty kilometers per hour, required careful maneuvering in the heart of the blaze. They publicly acknowledged the professionals for their heroism and skill in keeping them protected during the crisis.
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“They risked their lives to save us. Because of them, we are alive today. They fought the fire from above and below to ensure our safety during the worst moment, and we will never forget that,” Sara said, describing the tense hours when escape seemed impossible and every breath was a reminder of how fragile life can be in such moments. The couple’s gratitude extends to the entire team that coordinated this extraordinary rescue, a reminder of the critical role first responders play in protecting communities during disasters. These remarks, reported by local outlets, echo the sentiment shared by many residents who witnessed the ordeal and listened to the firefighters’ ongoing updates about the fire’s behavior and containment. The residents and authorities alike emphasize the importance of preparedness and swift, coordinated action in such high-risk scenarios.