Firefighters were once again working round the clock as the recent heatwave saw temperatures soar well into the 40s, causing fires throughout the region and across the whole of Portugal.
So Angela Schulze-Henke and Vee Hundley were very welcome at the Silves Bombeiros this week, when they presented firefighters with more equipment, purchased with funds raised at charity events, to help them combat the fires blazing in the Algarve. The delivery of equipment included new fire helmets both for urban and forest fires.
Comandante Abel Gomes was very pleased with the new delivery, explaining how now, more than ever, it is so important. “I am very happy to receive this equipment,” he explained. “All my men are currently fighting fires in Armação de Pêra and Monchique, so the protective hats and gloves will be hugely appreciated by all of them.”
On the day the new equipment was presented, Gomes was on crutches after a fire in Silves had severely burnt his left foot. This emphasises the importance of persisting in the fundraising events for the bombeiros.
Angela and Vee have just announced that the next fundraising dinner-dance will be held on October 2. Their aim is to provide the Silves Bombeiros with a set of double protection helmets, which cost hundreds of euros each. If you would like to help the bombeiros, call Vee for more information on 282 799 681.
