In 2023, the Corpo de Bombeiros Militar do Estado do Ceará (CBMCE) witnessed a substantial 23.96% increase in firefighting activities across the state.
The year saw the firefighters responding to 14,725 fire incidents, significantly higher than the 11,878 instances reported in the previous year.
A notable rise was observed in various types of fires.
Incidents of vegetation fires surged by 35.80%, totaling 7,081, compared to 5,214 in the prior year.
Residential fires increased by 13.09%, with 1,339 occurrences, while vehicle fires also saw a 12.88% rise, with 473 reported cases.
Commercial building fires escalated by 10.12%, resulting in 533 incidents.
In contrast, fires related to gases decreased by 3.54%, with 2,043 incidents in 2023 compared to 2,118 the previous year.
The CBMCE emphasized the critical role of fire prevention measures.
Key guidelines include turning off gas and electrical appliances when not in use, conducting electrical network maintenance every five years, avoiding the use of multiple devices on a single outlet, not placing charging cell phones on soft surfaces, not burning waste, and keeping doors and windows closed to prevent flame spread.
The CBMCE remains dedicated to its mission of saving lives and preserving property.
The public is reminded to contact the firefighters via the 24/7 emergency number, 193, in case of emergencies.
In a parallel achievement, the CBMCE successfully saved 1,819 people from various life-threatening situations throughout the state in 2023.
Rescue operations predominantly involved incidents of drowning, traffic accidents, suicide attempts, and searches for injured and uninjured persons.
Notably, in just one weekend, the lifeguards of the CBMCE saved 27 lives from drowning, including one in Caucaia and 26 at Praia do Futuro in Fortaleza.
The year also saw significant rescue efforts for injured individuals, with the firefighters saving 217 people with injuries and 560 without injuries.
One remarkable rescue involved a 14-year-old who fell into a 7-meter deep hole in Sobral, with the operation lasting about ten minutes.
The victim was subsequently transported by the Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência (Samu Ceará) with minor injuries for further hospital evaluation.
The reported increases in fire incidents and successful rescue operations by the Corpo de Bombeiros Militar do Estado do Ceará (CBMCE) in 2023 reflect a significant challenge and a commendable response by the state’s firefighters.
The 23.96% rise in fire incidents, particularly in vegetation and residential areas, underlines the ever-present threat of fires to public safety and property.
It also indicates potential areas where fire prevention measures could be strengthened.
The simultaneous increase in successful rescue operations, saving 1,819 lives, showcases the CBMCE’s efficiency and dedication to public safety.
These figures not only represent the operational capabilities of the CBMCE but also highlight the critical importance of emergency services in mitigating risks and safeguarding the community.
The continued emphasis on prevention strategies, alongside the prompt and effective response to emergencies, remains vital for ensuring public safety and reducing the overall impact of such incidents in the future.
