# 112 Emergency Porto

We were sitting enjoying an early dinner and saw smoke rising, I immediately knew it was a fire. We have seen so many homes that have been flattened by fire in Masi in Cape Town, our staff have lost everything from fires. Porto has similarities in so far as houses are crammed together and if a fire runs its sure to cause some serious damage.

Emergency services were here in less than 5 minutes, and the fire was quickly put out, great to see the emergency services in Porto are so efficient and professional in their work to protect the city and its people.

Amazing how quickly normality can change to an emergency and how dependent we are on the structures around us to help when we in danger. Sometimes you have to seek stories and sometimes stories find you, today my stories found me.

There are so many homes along the banks here that have been burnt down, fire is a real risk.

In Cape Town, our helicopter services are outstanding and have saved many shacks and homes as they put their lives in danger to save property and homes. I have a deep respect for the emergency services and those who put their lives at risk to save others.

Tomorrow is another day and I look forward to seeing the sunrise and what the new day brings, life is most certainly not boring by any means. This used to be my happy place in Cape Town, now I need to find a new happy place, a place of peace and serenity.

‘ God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. The courage to change the things I can, the wisdom to know the difference’