Call the Fire Department in Brazil: Portuguese for 193
Practise saying where the danger is, what you can see, and whether people may need help when reporting an emergency in Portuguese.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
In Brazil, the Fire Department is reached at 193 for emergencies such as fires and rescues. State the danger in a short sentence, then give the location. Use the current instructions from the official dispatcher.
Report the type of danger first
Do not enter a dangerous area or put yourself at risk to gather details. Say only what you can observe safely.
Há fumaça saindo de uma casa.
Smoke is coming out of a house.
Uma pessoa precisa de resgate.
Someone needs rescue.
Describe the place and what you can see
Give the street address and a landmark. If the event is outside, name the road, direction of travel, nearby exit, or kilometer marker when visible. A clear location is more useful than a long description of how the event began.
Mention other obvious risks, such as smoke reaching another building or a blocked entrance, without approaching the hazard.
O fogo está no segundo andar, nos fundos do prédio.
The fire is on the second floor, at the back of the building.
A entrada principal está bloqueada.
The main entrance is blocked.
Explain whether people may be involved
If you know people are in danger, share that information. If you do not know, say so rather than making a guess. Tell the dispatcher if the situation changes while you are speaking.
Stay in a safe place and follow official instructions. If Portuguese is difficult, ask someone nearby to help with the call while you remain available to clarify what you saw.
Não sei se há pessoas dentro do imóvel.
I don't know whether there are people inside the property.
Agora consigo ver uma pessoa na janela.
I can now see someone at the window.
Put it into practice
Call 193 for an emergency involving fire or rescue, share only what you know, and follow the official response team's instructions.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Smoke is coming out of a house”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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