Fundraising Event

Alerta – Supporting Our Volunteer Bombeiros

Alerta began in 2013 and became an official association in 2017.

We are a volunteer run, non profit organization supporting 19 Volunteer Bombeiros stations across the Algarve and Lower Alentejo.

What We Do Fire Season Support

We regularly deliver water and energy bars to stations throughout summer.

Each run costs around €200, with an average spend of €1,000 every few weeks.

During major fires, we supply over 1,000 emergency workers with:

• Food, fruit, energy drinks

• Pocket snacks

• Basic first aid items (burn creams, pain relief, gauze, bandages, eye wash)

Support for Reinforcement Teams Bombeiros arriving from other regions bring only a 24 hour kit, which quickly becomes unusable during long fires.

We provide toiletries, towels, underwear, and sanitary products so they can wash and change.

Replacing Damaged Gear We fundraise year round to help replace burnt or damaged forest fire uniforms.

Our budget this year is €30,000–€35,000, and we are negotiating for the best quality kit at the best price.

Helping at Local Events At the Silves medieval Festival, we assist Silves Bombeiros by collecting parking donations over 10 nights, allowing them to stay available for emergencies.

Our Silves Shop Our shop raises essential funds and also supports:

• Families in need

• The women’s refuge

• Homeless support groups

• Animal shelters

• Victims of the Valencia fires (with the Salvation Army)

How We Are Funded

We fundraise via events and donations.

We are looking for volunteers across four areas of Alerta.

Our most urgent needs are in roles 1 and 2.

1) FIREWATCHING (URGENT – REMOTE) We urgently need firewatchers from May to October (sometimes earlier or later depending on weather and fire risk). Doing 3 shifts a week means that we need a minimum of 17 people. Quite scary when we look at statistics!

• Between 08:00 and 22:00

• Minimum commitment: 4 hours per week ,2 shifts(more if you wish)

• Requirements: o Good internet connection o Laptop or tablet (phones are not suitable) o Ability to stay focused during your shift Full training will be provided—it’s simple and nothing to worry about. During major fires, shifts may start earlier or run later than usual. If interested, please contact Barbara Leitch You will always have team support—you are never alone.

2) ALERTA SHOP (URGENT) We are always looking for volunteers to help in our shop.

• Opening hours: 10:00–14:00, Tuesday to Saturday

• Ideal team: 3 volunteers per shift (minimum 2)

• Duties include: o Sorting donations o Keeping the shop tidy and appealing o Serving and helping customers If interested, please contact Alex Walker

3) SILVES MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL (AUGUST) We assist with car parking during the festival (usually the middle two weeks of August).

• Time: Approx. 17:45 to 23:00

• Shifts: Every other night

• Role: Work alongside bombeiros volunteers, helping manage parking and collecting small donations It can be hot, dusty, and busy—and occasionally challenging—but also fun and strangely addictive!

Food and drinks are provided. Please contact us if you’d like to take part.

4) EMERGENCY SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS This group is rarely needed, but very important. We are building a list of people who can help at short notice during major fires:

• Shopping for supplies

• Delivering items

• Helping prepare packed meals Please contact me if you’re able to assist in this way.

Thank you for reading and supporting us. Fire season is fast approaching.

Let’s work together to help our brave bombeiros—you never know when you might need them.

 

Forest Fire Alert Association / Associação Alerta de Incendio Florestal (Alerta)

The President of the association, Alerta, Debby Burton, who recently received the British Empire Medal for her services to the community in Portugal, founded the association following the extensive fires in 2016.

Money raised helps Alerta to make purchases that will benefit the Bombeiros and the communities they serve.

The Alerta Facebook page, staffed by a small army of volunteers provides up to the minute information concerning the current fire situation. You can join the Alerta Facebook group here.

The dedicated volunteers work tirelessly throughout the fire season to ensure that the brave Bombeiros are kept supplied with necessities.

More information here: https://www.algarvefire.info/