Man, what a day! I swear, being a parachutist firefighter in Santa-Cruz (PT) is like riding a rollercoaster that never stops. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m thinking, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
First off, I grab my coffee at that little spot on Rua da Liberdade. You know the one? The barista, Miguel, always messes up my order. I asked for a “bica,” and he gives me a “galão.” Like, come on, dude! I’m not here for a milkshake! But whatever, I chug it down. Caffeine is life, am I right?
So, I’m heading to the station, and I pass by the Praça da República. It’s packed! Tourists everywhere, snapping pics, and I’m just trying to get to work. I almost trip over some kid’s skateboard. Like, dude, watch where you’re rolling! I’m not here to be a stunt double.
Finally, I get to the station, and the vibe is tense. The chief is pacing like a caged lion. “We got a fire in the hills!” he barks. My heart drops. The hills? That’s where all the fancy houses are. You know, the ones with the ocean views? I’m thinking, “Great, let’s go save some rich folks’ mansions.”
We gear up, and I’m feeling the adrenaline kick in. I mean, who wouldn’t? Jumping out of a plane is my jam! But this time, it’s different. We’re flying over the smoke, and I can see the flames licking the trees. It’s like a scene from a movie, but way scarier.
I jump out, and the wind hits me like a freight train. I’m free-falling, and all I can think is, “Don’t mess this up!” I pull the chute, and boom! I’m gliding down, and the view is insane. Santa-Cruz looks beautiful from up here, but I can’t enjoy it. There’s a fire to put out!
I land on this hill near Rua do Comércio, and it’s chaos. Firefighters are everywhere, hoses are spraying, and I’m just trying to find my crew. I spot João, my buddy, and he’s wrestling with a hose like it’s a snake. “Dude, you good?” I yell. He just grunts. Classic João.
We start battling the flames, and let me tell you, it’s hot. Like, “I’m gonna melt” hot. I’m sweating buckets, and I’m thinking, “Why do I do this?” But then I see a family watching from a distance, scared out of their minds. That hits me hard. I can’t let them down.
After what feels like hours, we finally get the upper hand. The fire’s dying down, and I’m feeling like a hero. But then, out of nowhere, a gust of wind kicks up, and it’s like the fire’s saying, “Not today, buddy!” It flares up again, and I’m back in the thick of it.
I’m yelling at my team, “We gotta push harder!” And we do. We’re soaked, tired, but we keep going. Finally, we get it under control. I’m standing there, covered in soot, and I can’t help but smile. We did it!
As we pack up, I’m feeling all sorts of emotions. Happy, relieved, maybe a bit proud? But then I remember my coffee. “Ugh, I need a drink!” I head back to that café on Rua da Liberdade. Miguel sees me and just laughs. “You look like you fought a dragon!”
“Close enough,” I say, and we both crack up. I order a proper bica this time.
So, yeah, that was my day in Santa-Cruz. Full of ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Just another day in the life of a parachutist firefighter. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!