Ribeira Brava Faces Series of Emergencies: Fire, Accident, and Tragic Death

Ribeira Brava, a picturesque town on Madeira Island, has recently faced a series of emergencies that have tested the resolve and efficiency of its local emergency services. In the span of just a few days, the town has dealt with a brush fire, a car accident, and a tragic cardiac arrest.

On the evening of January 26, 2026, a fire broke out in the Apresentação area of Ribeira Brava. The fire, which burned through the brush, was tackled by the local fire department. Seven firefighters from the Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol volunteer units were deployed, using two vehicles—a heavy and a light fire truck—to control the blaze. The operation lasted around two hours and was successfully contained without any reported injuries or damage to property.

Just days earlier, on January 24, 2026, at around 10 PM, emergency services were called to a road accident on the regional road in Canhas, close to the access to Paul da Serra. A man in his 30s lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a parked car. Initially unconscious, he regained consciousness by the time help arrived, although he sustained facial injuries. He was treated on-site and later transported to Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça for further care.

On January 23, 2026, a man in his 70s suffered a cardiac arrest in the town of Ribeira Brava. Despite the rapid response of the EMIR (Emergency Medical Intervention Vehicle) and the local volunteer firefighters, resuscitation efforts were unfortunately unsuccessful. The incident underscores the critical need for swift medical intervention in life-threatening emergencies.

These incidents highlight the dedication and responsiveness of Ribeira Brava's emergency services, which continue to serve the community under challenging circumstances. The town, noted for its scenic beauty and as a gateway to the mountainous Paul da Serra, remains a beloved destination for both tourists and locals alike.

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