“We are continuing our efforts, but the fire is contained. This aftermath takes longer than usual, unlike in rural areas, because this is a metal processing industry with a lot of combustible material,” stated Rui Ribeiro around 10:30 AM.
The commander of Gaia Firefighters advised local residents to “keep their windows closed to avoid health issues and discomfort due to the smoke.”
“As long as there is combustion, smoke may occur. Keep the windows closed,” he emphasized.
Speaking to Lusa, while unable to predict how long the aftermath will last, Rui Ribeiro mentioned that efforts are now “focused on removing the combustible material and saturating the area with water to extinguish the fire sources.”
When questioned about the condition of the company, Sucateira Constantino Fernandes Oliveira & Filhos SA, in Pedroso, Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto district, Rui Ribeiro expressed his belief that it “should be able to operate shortly.”
Regarding injuries, he confirmed that four firefighters and one factory worker received assistance, but did not require hospitalization.
“It was a laborious night, but fortunately, we only recorded minor injuries,” he noted.
The alert for this fire was raised at 2:54 PM on Thursday.
Today, 83 firefighters remain on-site supported by 33 vehicles.
Besides Gaia Firefighters, “all municipal teams and several from outside the municipality” are involved in the operations, concluded Rui Ribeiro.
