COMMUNITY
Tomorrow has also been told that there is a need for new boots for the bombeiros and our magazine charity, TACT, will start to save for a contingency fund so there is also money for the bombeiros to use in these kinds of emergencies. Drop off points:
Monchique wildfires BY REBECCA SIMPSON
On Friday August 3rd another forest fire took hold of the area surrounding Monchique. Firefighters managed to control the devastating wildfire which started in the village of Perna da Negra. More than 1,400 firefighters took part in subduing this horrendous blaze which began after a sweltering heat wave across the Iberian Peninsula. Sadly this is not the first time the area has been victim to wildfires. There was devastation in 2016 and in June 2017 there were blazes nationwide with central parts of the country being destroyed. These resulted in at least 66 deaths and more than 200 people being injured. Similar to this year, an intense heat wave preceded these fires with many areas experiencing temperatures in excess of 40ºC. This year as many as 41 people were injured by the fire and 299 were evacuated from areas including Silves, Foia, Taipas and Foz do Carvalhoso. Several buildings have also been destroyed. Power supplies were cut in certain areas solely as a precaution due to already damaged electricity lines. Several roads were closed and the surrounding area of Monchique very much came to a devastating standstill. Seven days after the blaze began the National Protection Agency confirmed the wildfires to be ‘dominated’ with the fire being downgraded to amber. The agency has however stated that hundreds of firefighters remain on standby in order to cope with any potential reignitions. The rising summer temperatures will keep the authorities on high alert.
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The fires were so extensive across Monchique, Silves and Portimão this year that an astronaut managed to capture photographs from the international space station showing the vast smoke clouds and devastation caused. Locals and expats rallied in true community spirit to support the Bombeiros, most of which worked tirelessly for days to control the blaze to save lives, livelihoods, homes and wildlife. Many communities across the Algarve managed to collect water, burns medication, energy bars and drinks and fresh clothes to help the incredible Bombeiros tackle this blaze. I interviewed Debby Burton from the Associação Para Alerta De Incêndio Florestal. Debby amongst other expats, has been arranging collections for the Bombeiros. “The response through social media has been amazing and we have so many kind contributions which will significantly help these amazing fire fighters.” She said: “We are currently collecting the following: bottles of water no bigger than 500ml, energy drinks, tetra paks (fruit juice), snack bars, energy bars and toiletries (men and women), cotton socks (men and women)these do not have to be new, I am sure the washing machine will help find odd socks - old towels, burn creams, wet wipes, fruitbasically ‘hand’ food, if anyone is donating at any of the drop off points, please check the sell by dates.” There are fears that there could be more fires so volunteers are looking to stockpile supplies.
ASMAA Charity Shop in Portimão (behind Bombeiros) Tel: 969 320 231 ASMAA Lagos Office Rua Dr. Alberto Iria, Lote 12, R/C Esquerdo Tel: 282 182 103 (English only) ASMAA’s Warehouse Nº3 - Barão de São João (50m from Zoo de Lagos) Tel: 969 766 622 APAA charity shop in Dunas Alvor, Bookworms in Albufeira, Ibex in Almacil, Paws 4 pets in Albufeira, Jimmi’s Bar in Burgau, Bed Warehouse in Lagoa, Casa Velha Restaurant, Albufeira, Three Amigos Bar in Albufeira, Noble Estate Agents at Rua Da Liberdade no 79 S.B Messines Tel: 918 063 979, The Olive Branch Inn in S.B Messines Tel: 910 489 837, Restaurant Grissol, Albufeira, Merrylegs Pet Hotel in Loulé Tel: 289 419 747 If anyone would like to make a donation to Associação Para Alerta De Incêndio Florestal: Name and registration: AIL-ASSOCIACAO PARA ALERTA DE INCENDIO FLORESTAL NIPC: 514208295 Paypal: bombeirosalgarve@gmail.com Transfer: PT50 0033 0000 4549 9091 2130 5