The generosity of the Portuguese people was once again evident in their support for the various fire departments fighting the fires that have been raging in the Center and North of the country for several days, which have already killed five people.
After several fire departments had asked the population for help for the firefighters on the front lines battling the flames, they are now requesting a “suspension” of donations, essentially food items, as they are logistically unable to handle all the donations.
“Due to the large volume of deliveries from the population and thanks to their generosity, we request the suspension of donations. We thank the entire population for all the donations that have reached the different fire departments,” wrote the Battalion of Firefighters and Civil Protection of Vila Nova de Gaia on their Facebook page.
This appeal was reinforced by the Volunteer Firefighters of Coimbrões. “We appreciate the spirit of solidarity and support from the entire community for our Firefighters. These are gestures of incredible gratitude that we will not forget. However, we ask that you please do not bring any more donations, as we no longer have storage capacity. We are and will remain ready to always give our best. Thank you,” they also wrote on social media.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese Firefighters League shared the same position on its Facebook page, revealing that the donated goods will be made available “to local families in need.”
“The Portuguese Firefighters League and Caritas Portugal have agreed to make available to local families in need the goods donated to associations that they do not need. Thus, the local structures of Caritas and the associations should facilitate precisely this sharing. The Firefighters are grateful for all the support received but, as this is now surplus to requirements, it is important to extend the scope of those covered by solidarity,” they wrote.
